Emily flung the door open, arms crossed, her voice crackling with fury. I told youclear out of my house, now! she snarled.
Lily, bewildered, stared at her sister. Whats gotten into you? You invited me, begged me to stay while
Ive changed my mind! Emily cut in. Pack your things and scram!
Lily glanced helplessly at the duffel perched on the sofa. Shed arrived three hours earlier, barely managed to set her suitcase down.
Emily, at least tell me whats happening, Lily tried to stay calm, though her voice trembled.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle having you around, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call you a cab, fine.
Lily shuffled to the sofa, hands shaking, throat dry. The sisters hadnt seen each other since their mothers funeral two years ago. One warm invitation, a sudden phone call, a few kind words and now she was being shown the door without an explanation.
Ill be quick, Lily whispered, fighting tears.
Emily tapped impatiently on the doorframe, watching Lily pull out the few items shed managed to unpack. Her face stayed stonecold; only the tension in her cheekbones gave her away.
Lily halted at the threshold, eyeing Emily. They looked alikesame hazel eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chinyet Emily now seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Lily said, stepping out.
Goodbye, Emily echoed, slamming the door.
Lily descended the stairs, replaying the last phone call in her head. A week earlier, Emilys voice had been soft, Lily, come stay with me while your flats being refurbished. Lets rebuild our relationship, what do you think?
Are you sure? Lily had asked cautiously. After everything
Come on, were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but lets end that. Come Saturday, Ill pick you up.
Now Lily stood on the pavement, suitcase in hand, trying to piece together what three hours had changed. Emily had greeted her warmly, laid out a spread, asked about life then vanished to another room, supposedly to answer a call, returned looking like a different person.
Her phone buzzed. A text from Emily: Black cab will be there in 7 minutes. Wait at the entrance.
Lily sighed, set her bag down, and pulled out her phone. The drizzle was starting, the air crisp. She needed a plan, fast.
The only option was Paulan old schoolmate theyd been texting a lot lately. He lived alone in a twobedroom flat in Islington and would probably let her crash for a few days.
Hey, Paul? Lily said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess.
He listened, then without a fuss gave her his address. Dont worry, Ill be waiting, he said, his calm tone a small comfort.
In the cab, Lily finally let the tears flow. Anger burned hot. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old fight over Mums estate left a deeper wound than shed thought?
She remembered the argument after their mothers death. Emily wanted to sell the family house and split the money; Lily insisted on keeping it, the walls full of memories. Lily bought Emilys share, went into debt, and held onto the home. Maybe Emily still harboured a grudge.
The cab pulled up outside Pauls block. Lily handed over the fare£15and stepped out. Paul greeted her with a grin, snatching the suitcase.
Dont make that face, he chuckled. Well sort this out.
His flat was cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as Lily recounted the whole drama.
Something feels off, Paul mused after she finished. Emily didnt just call you over for a cuppa. Something happened while you were there.
Nothing special, Lily shrugged. We had tea, she talked about work and a recent seaside trip. Then she got a call, went to another room, came back angry.
Did she say why she went to that room? Paul asked.
Lily thought. She was quiet, but when she returned she started asking how long I intended to stay, even though wed already discussed a twoweek stint while my flat is being refurbished.
Whos doing the refurb? Paul pressed.
The crew Emily recommendedsupposedly friends of her exhusband, cheap and good, Lily replied with a bitter smile.
Pauls brow furrowed. Did you ever check on the work?
No, I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been there since they started a week ago. I was planning to pop over in a couple of days.
Lets have a look now, Paul suggested. My gut says somethings not right.
Its late Lily protested.
Exactly why now. If everythings fine, well go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were pulling up to Lilys flat. She was nervous all the way, wondering what could have gone wrong.
She climbed the stairs, hearing muffled voices and the scrape of moving furniture behind a door.
Theres someone in there, she whispered, freezing.
Paul took the keys, opened the door. Boxes and bags were strewn about. In the living room, amidst the chaos, Emily was trying to explain something to two burly movers lugging a wardrobe.
What on earth is happening? Lily demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Emily startled, surprise flashing to irritation. Lily? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats happening in my flat?
Emily adjusted her hair, trying to compose herself. I can explain
Hope you can, Lily crossed her arms, just as she had earlier at the door.
Emily glanced at the movers, who hesitated. Guys, take a break, she said, and they slipped out, relieved.
Im waiting, Lily reminded.
Emily sighed heavily, dropped onto the sofa. Im divorcing Ian. He kicked me out of our place and I have nowhere else to go. I thought I could stay here until I find somewhere new.
So you lured me out, fabricated a fake refurbishment, and moved in yourself? Lily shot back, disbelief knotting her voice.
Not exactly, Emily said, avoiding Lilys gaze. I really wanted us to patch things up. I thought living together would help, but then I realised I couldnt. Too much history between us, Lily.
So you tried to steal my flat? Lilys hands trembled with rage. Kick me out of my own home?
Id have explained later! Emily snapped. I just had nowhere to go. I thought the movers could let you stay somewhere else
Theres no refurbishment! Lily interjected. You made it up to get me to come.
Yes, I admit that, Emily grimaced. I hoped youd agree to hand over the flat temporarily, but youre stubborn as ever.
Stubborn? Youre the one pulling strings and lying to your own sister! Lily erupted. What happened to you, Emily?
Emily leapt from the sofa, fury contorting her face. What happened to you? You were Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now the flat too If wed sold it back then, I couldve bought my own place and not relied on Ian all these years!
So thats it, Lily said quietly. You still havent forgiven me for trying to keep Mums house. I did buy you out, even if it took a while.
Its not about the money! Emily shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings! You only thought of yourself!
Thats not true, Lily shook her head. Ive always looked out for you, even nowgiving you a chance to fix things.
Emilys eyes narrowed. You have a choice. Either you pack up and leave my flat right now, or I call the police and report you for illegal entry.
Paul, who had been silent, stepped forward. Lily, maybe theres a middle ground? Youre sisters after all
No compromise, Lily replied firmly. Im done with the manipulation. Either you go, or I involve the law.
Emily stared at her, hatred flickering, but Lilys resolve finally broke her. Fine. Ill leave. Dont think this is over, Emily snapped, gathering her things.
An hour later Emily slammed the door shut. Lily sank onto the sofa, exhausted and hollow.
Want me to stay with you? Paul asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, Lily said, grateful for the company. I could use a friend right now.
Of course, he replied, taking her hand. I think Emilys going through a rough patchdivorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her, but it explains a bit.
Maybe, Lily sighed. Im just tired of the endless backandforth. She always acts like I owe her everything, as if life handed me silver spoons.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts. When Mum died, it was hell for me. We were close, but instead of supporting each other we drifted apart. She pushed to sell the house, like it was just an asset. To me, that house was the last thread to Mum.
Paul squeezed her hand. Grief shows up in strange ways. For Emily, maybe its a way to avoid those painful memories.
Possibly, Lily nodded. But lying, pushing me out of my own home Thats too much. I dont know if I can ever forgive her.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And give her some too. When the anger cools, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, Lily admitted, but first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in companionable silence as dusk settled over the city. The flat, still echoing with Emilys brief presence, grew quieter. Lily thought how odd life washer sister, once a confidante, now almost an adversary, while a former classmate proved more reliable than blood.
Thanks, Lily finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinking how about a weekend outing? A film or a walk in the park?
Lilys face brightened. Sounds perfect.
A week later Lilys phone rang. It was Emily. Her finger hovered over the hangup, but she answered.
Hello? Emilys voice sounded tentative. Lily, we need to talk.
What about? Lily asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Lily was silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot, but that doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you that way, Emily continued, voice shaking.
I understand youre angry, and you have every right to be, Lily said. But I need time.
Of course, Emily replied quickly. Just know I truly regret it. Were sisters, after all.
Lily exhaled deeply. Later she stared out the window, thinking of the tangled past. Emily, flawed as she was, remained the only close family left after Mums death. Perhaps one day she could forgive her, but not now. She needed to heal first.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Paul: Park tomorrow? Forecast says fine weather. Lily smiled and typed back, Would love to.
Life went on, despite the drama. Who knowsmaybe Lily and Emily will eventually mend. For now, the priority was cherishing those who truly stood by you in the rough, and letting go of toxic ties, even if theyre bloodrelated.
Soon enough, Lily would sit down with Emily again. But until then, she kept moving forward, learning to trust again and find happiness, no matter what.
