Do you want my husband? Hes all yours! the wife said with a grin to the stranger standing at her door.
Hold on a sec, Evelyn! Someones at the door. Ill call back when I know who it is and what they want, Catherine replied, ending a chat with her old school friend. Evelyn had just been recounting, with loads of jokes, her motherinlaws birthday party, and Catherine was laughing so hard it felt like she was watching a sitcom on telly.
Catherine walked to the front door, peered through the peephole and was taken aback. Shed expected the neighbour, because strangers rarely get into their secure block. Instead, a young woman shed never seen before was standing there.
She decided not to open better to steer clear of strangers these days, what with all the scammers. Catherine had a firm rule: no talks with unknown people. Con artists prey on gullibility, but she wasnt going to be one of their victims.
She grabbed her phone to get back to Evelyn, but the doorbell rang again. The woman outside was persistent, clearly convinced someone was home and determined to get an answer.
Catherine was alone; her husband, James, had gone to help a mate with some gardening. She turned back to the door, looked again through the peephole, this time paying closer attention to the stranger. Something about her seemed odd and a bit pathetic, yet Catherine didnt feel threatened.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open and tell her to leave? Then I can finish the weekend in peace, she thought. Maybe shes lost or selling something.
She decided to act quickly and opened the door. The woman in the hallway straightened up, nervously smoothing her hair before speaking.
Hi! Are you Catherine? she asked, fiddling with a scarf around her neck. Of course you are why do you ask?
Catherine raised an eyebrow. Scam artists are getting clever these days. 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 go! Catherine said firmly.
Is James home? the stranger asked, catching Catherine off guard.
Ah, interesting, Catherine mused, suspicion rising. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a setup.
Are you here for James? Catherine asked, though she meant something else entirely.
No, I just wanted to talk to you. But if James is around, itll be trickier for me, the woman replied casually.
Trickier for you? Whats going on? Catherines curiosity grew.
Dont you have what youre looking for? Catherine asked finally.
Maybe we should step inside. Its hard to discuss this in the hallway, the stranger suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you, and Im not letting strangers into my flat. Tell me why youre here, and make it quick, Catherine snapped.
You really want to chat about my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? the woman said with a smile.
What? What relationship? Catherine shouted, louder than she intended.
Catherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? asked Mrs. Smith, the neighbour who just stepped out of the lift.
Oh, hi Mrs. Smith! All good. Hows the weather out? Catherine tried to change the subject.
It looks like rains coming, Mrs. Smith replied, lingering near the door, clearly curious.
Come in, Catherine said reluctantly, gesturing the stranger inside.
Inside, the woman started eyebidding around the flat, her gaze lingering on various items.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, Catherine said, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My names Margaret, the woman began, removing her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Really? Thats a bit boring, isnt it? Couldnt you think of something more original? Catherine retorted with a sarcastic grin.
Whats so original about it? People fall in love it happens. Youre not the first wife whose husband leaves, Margaret replied, trying to walk past Catherine.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? Catherine asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it werent true, I wouldnt be here, Margaret said confidently.
My husband doesnt know love at all, so youre dead wrong, love, Catherine said calmly.
You think youre wrong? We work together, and ever since I joined his team, James sorry, Mr. James Brown couldnt take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So, what do you want from me, Margaret? Catherine asked, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy, Margaret announced, standing firm.
So you want me to let my husband go, even though he hasnt said a word about divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? Catherine asked, now quite amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the door swung open and James walked in, looking baffled at the stranger in the hallway.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Work? James asked, confused.
No, Im here for you, Catherine said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Something happen at work? James asked, still puzzled.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, Catherine said with a grin.
Margaret, flushed, grabbed her coat and started to back toward the door.
Leaving already? And what about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over, Catherine joked.
But Margaret was already out the door.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly bewildered.
You tell me! Why did that cheeky woman turn up demanding a divorce and saying youd move in with her? Catherine asked, folding her arms.
Seriously? James replied, eyes wide. Ive got no idea. She acted odd at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to all this nonsense.
Listen, James, Im not kidding. Women today will do anything to sort out their messy lives, Catherine said, shaking her head.
James looked at her uncertainly, then sighed. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all so strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that kind of drama.
Youre right, Catherine said with a slight smile. But I wont let anyone who thinks they can pull the strings in our lives stroll in uninvited. This is my life, our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James replied, pulling her into a hug. Thanks for having my back, always. I dont want any trouble. Im with you, and only you.
Catherine returned the embrace, feeling that despite the bizarre episode, their bond was stronger than ever. I know, James. Im with you too. Well get through anything together.
In that moment they both realised that, no matter what unexpected hurdles popped up, their relationship was rock solid. Nothing that day could tear them apart.
