Hey love, you wont believe the drama that went down last weekend. So, Poppy rang me up and asked me to crash at her flat in London while I sort out the repairs at my place. I was all set to stay a few days, but then, out of the blue, she turned around and kicked me out.
Get out of my house, now! she snapped, arms crossed at the doorway, her voice shaking with anger.
I was like, Whats happening? You invited me, you said I could stay
Ive changed my mind! Poppy cut me off. Pack your stuff and go!
I stared at my bag by the sofa Id only arrived three hours earlier, barely had time to unload anything. Poppy, can you at least tell me why? I tried to keep my voice steady, but it quivered.
Nothings happened. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle having you around, but I cant. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
I walked slowly to the sofa, grabbed my bag, my hands trembling, my throat tight. We hadnt seen each other since Moms funeral two years ago. Shed called me, sounded warm, invited me over and now she was shoving me out without a word.
Okay, Ill be quick, I whispered, fighting back tears.
Poppy fidgeted, tapping her fingers on the door frame while I packed the few things I could pull from the bag. Her face stayed stonecold, only the tension in her cheekbones gave her away.
I stopped at the doorway, looked at her. We look alike the same brown eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chin. But now she seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, I said, stepping over the threshold.
Goodbye, she echoed, slamming the door.
I trudged down the stairs, replaying our last phone chat from a week before in my head.
Emma, come over, Poppys voice had sounded so soft and friendly. Stay with me while the work at your flat finishes. We need to patch things up, right?
Are you sure? Id asked cautiously. After everything
Come on, were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to move on. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
So there I was, bag in hand, trying to piece together what the past three hours had flipped in her mind. Poppy had greeted me warmly, set the table, asked about my life then vanished to another room, supposedly to answer a call. When she came back, she was a completely different person.
My phone buzzed. A message from Poppy: Your black cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance.
I sighed, headed to the buildings entrance. It was chilly outside, a light drizzle starting. I set my bag down, pulled out my phone I needed a plan, fast.
The only option was Paul, an old schoolmate wed been texting a lot lately. He lives alone in a twobed flat and would probably let me crash for a couple of days while I figure something else out.
Hey Paul? I said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess
He listened, didnt ask a million questions, and just gave me his address.
Dont worry, Ill be there, he said, his calm voice easing me a little.
In the cab I finally let the tears flow. I was furious. What had I done to deserve this? Was the old fight over Moms house still that raw?
I remembered the fallout after Mum died we argued about the inheritance. Poppy wanted to sell the family flat and split the cash, but I was desperate to keep it; too many memories were tied up in those walls. I bought out her share, went into debt, and held onto the place. Maybe shes still angry about that.
The driver pulled up outside Pauls building. I paid, got out, and Paul was waiting at the door, a grin on his face.
Dont that sour face, he said, taking my bag. Well sort this out.
His flat was cosy. He brewed tea, got biscuits, and listened to my story.
You know, he said thoughtfully after I finished, something feels off. Poppy didnt just call you for nothing. Something mustve happened while you were there.
It was nothing special, I shrugged. We had tea, chatted about work, her recent trip to the seaside. Then her phone rang, she went into another room. When she came back she was angry.
Did she say what the call was about? Paul asked.
I have no idea. She was quiet, then suddenly started asking how long Id stay, even though wed talked on the phone about me being there for a couple of weeks while the repairs finish.
Whos doing the work? he pressed.
The crew Poppy recommended apparently friends of her exhusband, cheap and good, she said. I laughed bitterly. She told me they were reliable.
Pauls brow furrowed.
Did you ever check on the progress?
No, I trusted them. I have a key but havent been there since they started a week ago. I was going to pop over in a few days to see how it was going.
Lets go now, Paul suggested. Ive got a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should. If everythings fine we can head back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later we were at my flat. My nerves were on edge the whole drive, wondering what could have gone wrong.
I reached my door, hearing muffled voices and the scrape of furniture from inside.
Theres someone in there, I whispered, freezing.
Paul took the keys, swung the door open. The hallway was a mess of boxes and bags. In the living room, amidst the chaos, Poppy was standing with two burly movers lugging a wardrobe.
Whats happening? I breathed, staring at the scene.
Poppy jumped, surprise flashing across her face, then turning to irritation.
Emma? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats going on in my flat?
She tried to smooth her hair, looking flustered.
I can explain
I hope so, I snapped, crossing my arms just like shed done earlier.
Poppy glanced at the movers, who hesitated, then stepped back.
Guys, take a break, she ordered, and they left the flat.
Im waiting, I reminded her.
She sighed heavily, sank onto the sofa.
Im getting divorced from Ian. Hes thrown me out of our place and Ive got nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something.
So you lured me out with the fake repair story just to move in? I said, my voice shaking with anger.
Not exactly, she muttered, eyes downcast. I really wanted to make peace, thought we could live together for a while, rebuild our bond then I realised I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us.
So you tried to steal my flat? I asked, my hands trembling.
Id have explained everything later! I just had nowhere to go. I even thought the movers could let you stay temporarily
Theres no repair going on! I shouted.
Yes, that was a lie. I used it to get you to come, Poppy admitted, grimacing. I hoped youd give me the place, but youre too stubborn.
My stubborn? I choked. Youre manipulating your own sister, trying to evict me from my own home! Whats happened to you, Poppy?
She snapped, You were always Mums favourite, everything came easy for you. If wed sold the flat back then, I couldve bought my own place and not been stuck with Ian all these years!
So this is about the money? I whispered. You never forgave me for buying out your share of Mums house? I paid you, just not instantly.
Its not about the cash! she shouted. Its that you always ignored my feelings, only thought about yourself!
Thats not true, I said, shaking my head. Ive always looked out for you, even now. Im giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? she asked cautiously.
You have two options. Either you pack your things right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and report illegal entry.
Paul, who had been watching quietly, stepped forward. Emma, maybe theres a middle ground? Youre sisters, after all
No compromises, I replied firmly. Im exhausted by your games. Decide leave or I involve the police.
Poppy stared at me with hatred, but my steady gaze made her finally give in.
Fine, Ill go. Dont think this is over, she muttered, gathering her things.
An hour later she slammed the door shut. I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling wiped out.
Want me to stay with you? Paul asked softly, sitting down beside me.
If you dont mind, I said, grateful. I really need someone right now.
Of course, he squeezed my hand. I think Poppys going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her, but it explains a bit.
Maybe, I sighed. Im just tired of the constant fighting. She always thinks Ive had it easy, but thats not the whole story.
I fell silent, gathering my thoughts. When Mum died, it shattered us. Instead of leaning on each other, we drifted apart. She was quick to push the sale, as if the house was just money. To me it was the last link to her.
I get that, Paul said, his grip gentle. Grief shows up in different ways. For Poppy it might be a way to avoid painful memories.
Possibly, I nodded. But lying, pushing me out thats too much. Im not sure I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, he advised. And her too. When the anger cools, maybe you can talk calmly.
Maybe, I admitted. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
We sat quietly, the evening dimming outside. The flat still smelled faintly of Poppys presence, but it was getting quieter. It struck me how strange life had become the sister whod always been my rock now felt almost like an enemy, while an old schoolmate proved more reliable than blood.
Thank you, I finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Hey, how about we do something this weekend? A movie or a walk in the park?
I grinned back. Sounds perfect.
A week later my phone buzzed it was Poppy. My thumb hovered over the hangup, but I answered.
Hey, she said, a bit shaky. Emma, we need to talk.
What about? I asked, keeping my tone cool.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
I was silent, unsure what to say.
Im in a tough spot, but that doesnt excuse me. I shouldnt have treated you like that, she continued.
I get that youre angry, and you have every right to be, I replied.
I hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
I took a deep breath. I dont know, Poppy. I need time.
Of course, she said quickly. Just know I truly regret it.
After hanging up I stared out the window, thinking about everything. Poppy, flaws and all, was still my sister the only close family left after Mum. Maybe, in time, I could find it in me to forgive. Not now, though. I needed to heal my own wounds and learn to trust again.
My phone buzzed again a message from Paul: Park tomorrow? Looks like sunshine.
I smiled, typed back: Would love to.
Life kept moving, and who knows? Maybe one day Poppy and I will mend things. For now, its about valuing the people who truly stand by you when things go pear-shaped, and not clinging to toxic ties just because theyre family.
One day well have that hearttoheart with my sister. Until then Im just living, learning to trust again, and trying to be happy despite everything.
