You Mustnt Take What Isnt Yours
The apple of her parents eye, Lily was the only child and quite the darling at home. Her mother and father, both scholarly folks, worked at a research instituteher father, a bona fide professor no less. For as long as Lily could remember, the house was always abuzz with guests.
Lilys mother, Elizabeth, was a dab hand in the kitchen, famous for baking enormous pies and laying the table as if Queen Elizabeth might pop in for tea.
Oh Liz, you really do spoil uswe eat with our eyes first at your place, and our tummies always agree! guests would tease every time they waltzed through the door.
At school, Lily was a solid studentnever quite top of the class, but well within the realm of As and Bs. Her parents never had to nag her about homework. Lily had been organised and self-sufficient since she could tie her own shoes. After school, shed change out of her uniform, have a bite, and calmly get stuck into her lessons herself.
Lily love, did you make it to music class today? her mum would ask.
Yes, Mum, just got back.
Lily played the violin at music school. She enjoyed it toowhen she picked up her violin, everything else faded away. Inspiration would strike, and off she went, playing for ages. Her teacher always held her up as the example student.
Those school years breezed by. Lily had more friends than she could count, was outgoing and helpfulto the point where shed help everyone with everything. She lived with her parents in London, and her greatest wish was to get into university and stay in the city.
Well, youve nothing to worry about, Lily, said her mate, Chloe. Your folks work at the uni! They’ll get you in, one way or another. Me, Im barely scraping through Sixth Form. University is just not in the cards, Chloe would sigh.
So, are you applying anywhere at all?
Nope, Im off to work. Just me and my mum, and shes hanging on by a thread. If I can bring home a paycheque, maybe things will be easier, Chloe said. They really did have to count every penny.
But Lily couldnt quite understand her friends strugglesher parents were comfortable, and shed never wanted for anything.
Mum, Dad, I need a new dress and shoes for the end-of-year prom, Lily announced one evening.
Yes, darling, I know, chuckled Elizabeth. Thank goodness its the weekend. Well hit the shops tomorrow.
She got a lovely dress and matching shoes. Now all she had to do was ace her exams, enjoy prom night, and step confidently intoadulthood.
Lily got into the Polytechnic, with more than a gentle nudge from her parents. Truth be told, she could have done it herselfher mum, ever the social butterfly, simply liked to be certain, so shed had a word with the right people, as you do.
Well, thats it, Mum and Dad. Your daughter is now a student! Lily cheered, spotting her name on the list.
Congratulations, love! her dad grinned, handing her a fancy new mobileback then, having one was still a mark of status.
She loved universityeverything from lectures to nights out, essays to study groups. Proper student lifethe best days ever. Her friendship with Chloe faded; Lily was always busy, and Chloe had joined the conveyor belt at the biscuit factory, inhabiting a different world altogether.
Every summer, Lily joined student work camps. That was the lifework, sun, and a bit of harmless flirting, though she never fell head over heels.
In her final year, Lily met James. Hed done his time in the army and now fixed washing machines and the like. They met by chance at the local cinemafinally a weekend outing with Chloe, which felt like a reunion.
Hello ladies, mind if I join you? James asked politely as they sipped milkshakes in the cinema café.
Go on then, Chloe replied, but Jamess gaze was locked firmly on Lily.
Im James. Busy evening in here, isnt it? he said, looking around somewhat sheepishly.
Chloe, and this is Lily, Chloe grinned.
Decided to check out this new filmmy mate said its a must-see.
Were only just managing to see each other these days, Chloe explained, Im at work, Lilys always in lectures
James was taken with Lily (the feeling was mutual), and after the film, they strolled around together. James walked them both home: Chloe first, then Lily. He asked for her numberthe rest, as they say, is history.
James was quite the catchgood looks and clever, to boot. Lily fell for him, and before long they were an item. Six months later (because they didnt see the point in waiting), they married. Lilys parents approved wholeheartedly; her dad got on with James like a house on fire.
After Lily finished uni, she didnt work long before maternity leave, giving birth to their son, Alfie. She was happy with Jameshe was caring, reliable, a good dad and partnersolid as a brick wall.
Mum, I really lucked out with James, Lily would gush. Being married to him is like living inside a fortresssafe and sound.
Im glad, love. James really is a family man, Elizabeth agreed, and Lilys dad adored his son-in-law. Theyd play chess, natter about this and thatreal camaraderie.
Until It All Changed
But happiness doesnt always last, does it? When Alfie was five, James and Lily had a car accident. They were driving along when a motorbiketravelling like it fancied a Formula One careershot out in front of them. Lily was thrown from the car (which, ironically, saved her life), but James didnt make it. Thankfully, Alfie was spending the day with his grandparents.
Why, God? Lily sobbed in hospital, her mother by her side.
Thank heavens youre awake! Elizabeth wept, Some broken bones, but youre alive, love, youre alive.
James was buried with Lily in a wheelchair, and she faced a long recovery. Alfie and her parents got her through. She mourned deeply. Only Alfie stopped her sinking for good.
Thank you, God, for keeping Alfie safe, Lily would whisper, clutching a family photo. Hes whats keeping me going
She had to rebuild her life from scratch.
Mum, Dad, Ive decided to move to the coastthe house by the sea. The air will do me good, and Alfie loves the beach. You can visit whenever you want. Everything here reminds me of James.
Her parents understood. In the seaside town, Lily found peace. She got a job as a hotel manager and, bit by bit, felt alive again. Alfie started school. On weekends, theyd relax at the beach. It was a simpler, happier time.
One day, at the beach, Lily lost her wedding ringher last treasure of James. Tears streaming, she scoured the sand, frantic.
Everything alright? a mans voice asked, gentle and curious.
I lost my ring… it means a lot, actually.
Who wears a ring to the beach? he teased.
I do! Any more smart remarks?
Fair pointright, lets find it then, he grinned. Im Colin, by the way.
Im Lily, she sniffled. Together, they sifted through the sandeventually, the ring turned up in her pocket.
Thank you, Colin.
Are you here on holiday, then? Colin asked. Im down with my matehe stayed in today nursing a hangover, so here I am, flying solo.
I actually live here now, Lily replied.
They had a good natter; Colin was easy, warm, and thoroughly un-English in his lack of fuss. After the beach, Colin suggested they pop to a café.
Probably time to get out of the sun anyway, Lily agreed. Lets get coffee before we burn to a crisp.
At the cafe, Lily relaxed. Alfie was away with his grandparents for the month (hed begged for the adventure), so for once, she had a moment. Colin admitted he was married, with a young daughter, and worked at the airport back home. Lily told him about Jamesabout the accident, her move, her reasons why.
Its all about a fresh start, really.
They said goodbye outside her flat, but three days later, there was Colin, waiting with an enormous bouquet as she finished work.
I missed you, he blurted, handing over the flowers.
Lily was thrilled. Lucky you appearedtomorrow Im off for a fortnight. Holiday time!
Perfectmore time together, Colin beamed. Lets celebrate at the restaurant tonight. You’ll meet my mate, too!
They had a right laugh at dinner, and that night, wellone thing led to another.
Oh, blimey Ive gone and really fallen this time, Lily admitted to herself.
She spent nearly the whole holiday with him. Colin wrangled some unpaid leave to stay longer, but eventually, he had to go home. The parting wasnt easy. But a week after leaving, Colin rang
Lily, I cant stay away. I told my wife everythingshes asked for a divorce. Ill be back soon.
Another Twist of Fate
She was delighted. Never mind what his now ex-wife must be going throughLily set that to one side.
Im a woman, too. I deserve to be happy, she thought.
Colin returned; soon after, they married. Within a year, Lily gave birth to a daughter. Both were over the moon.
But fatewhose sense of humour is questionable at the best of timeshad more to throw at Lily. Ten years down the line, Colin started strayingnot for long, but often enough. This was, after all, a town where temptation wore sunglasses and flip-flops. The arguments began; eventually, he confessed. Shed already clocked him on the beach with girls her daughters age.
Lily filed for divorce. Colin went back to his old town, reconciled with his former wife. He never abandoned his new daughterchild maintenance always landed on time. Their kids grew up and flew the nest themselves. Alfie went off to university near Lilys parents, married, settled. Her daughter married, too, living nearby.
Now Lily has two grandsons and a granddaughter. They come by often; her elderly parents pop round when they can, especially with Alfie. Her whole life is wrapped up in her children and grandchildren.
As for Colin? He remained out of the picture forever after. Lily decidedfirmly and finallythat men were not part of her future. She was certain of one thing:
I paid dearly for loving a married man you just cant take whats not yours. Happiness built on someone elses heartache never lasts.
Lily would not tempt fate againthe boomerang of karma, she felt sure, could still come around and knock her flat. Shes content with her lot.
Thanks for reading! Wishing you the best of luck and every happiness.
