No, Mum, Im not giving you that ring! Marnies voice quivered with outrage. You gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday!
Sweetheart, its not just any ring, Eleanor Smith fidgeted with the cuffs of her woolly cardigan. It belonged to your grandmother, and now its meant for Katie.
Katie? What does my little sister have to do with it? Marnie slammed open the top drawer of the sideboard. Why does she suddenly need my ring?
Eleanor sank heavily onto the edge of the sofa. The conversation was turning sour, but she wasnt about to back down.
Katies wedding is right around the corner, you know. Max has proposed, and theyre short of cash for a band. I promised wed help.
We? Marnie pulled a tiny velvet box from the drawer, clutching it like a lifeline. Did you even ask me?
Darling, her mothers tone softened to pleading, its a family heirloom. The ring should go to the one whos getting married. Katies starting a family, and you
So Im the old maid, then? Marnie sneered, a bitter smile curling her lips. What does being thirtysomething and still single have to do with it? This ring is the only truly precious thing you ever gave me, from the heart. I remember you saying, Look after it, love, itll bring you happiness.
Eleanor rose and tried to place a hand on Marnies shoulder, but the younger woman stepped back.
Youve always favored Katie, Marnie murmured, opening the velvet box. The gold band, set with a modest garnet, caught the waning afternoon light filtering through the curtains. She always gets the best pretty dresses, expensive toys, your attention
Thats not true! Eleanor protested. I love you both equally!
Is that so? Marnie slipped the ring onto her ring finger. Remember when I started university and Katie was busy with that school competition? Who did you cheer for? Who ran to the graduation ceremony with you? Who consoled her after her first heartbreak?
Eleanor lowered her eyes. There was a grain of truth in Marnies words, but admitting it felt uncomfortable.
Katie is five years younger, she needed more of your time, Eleanor said quietly.
Exactly, Marnie nodded. Now she wants my ring.
A knock echoed in the hallway. Marnie froze she wasnt expecting anyone. Eleanor dabbed at a fresh tear and went to answer.
Katie dear, come in, love, her voice instantly turned honeyed and warm.
Marnie clenched her teeth, yearning to bolt to her bedroom and shut the door on this farce. Yet she stayed, fists balled, in the middle of the living room.
Hey, sis! Katie burst in like a miniature tornado, her ginger curls bouncing, freckles dotting her nose. She looked barely twentyfive. Whats all this serious face? You look like you just swallowed a lemon!
Were talking about Grandmas ring, Marnie replied dryly.
Oh, Mum told you already? Katie flopped into an armchair, crossing her legs. Im over the moon! Max proposed! Were planning to tie the knot at the end of spring. Only problem were short on cash for a proper ring. Wed love something special.
So youre trying to steal my ring? Marnie stared straight into Katies eyes.
Its not mine, its Grandmas, Katie shrugged. Mum said tradition dictates it goes to the first bride. You dont mind, do you?
Marnie glanced at her mother, who stood off to the side, nervously twisting the hem of her cardigan.
Im against it, Marnie said firmly. That ring was given to me, and Im not handing it over.
But, love, her mother interjected, were family. Were supposed to help each other.
Exactly, Katie chimed. Besides, youve let it collect dust for ages.
A lump rose in Marnies throat. She wanted to speak, but the words got stuck. Instead, she slipped out of the room, slamming the door behind her.
In her bedroom, she collapsed onto the bed, face buried in the pillow. They always decide everything for me without asking, she thought, feeling more like an appendage than a daughter.
She recalled the day shed received the ring. Shed just turned eighteen, and she and her friends were headed to a café for a birthday toast. Before they left, Mum had called her into her bedroom.
Sweetheart, I have something special for you, Eleanor had said, pulling out a small box. This was my mothers, your grandmothers. Its passed down from mother to daughter. Now its yours. Grandma used to say it brings happiness and helps you find true love.
Marnie hadnt taken those words seriously then; she was just thrilled to finally have something truly valuable from Mum. Usually, Katie got the best of everything.
A soft knock came at the door.
Can I come in, Marnie? Katies voice was unusually gentle.
No, Marnie growled, but the door creaked open just enough for Katies ginger head to slip through.
Dont be mad, Katie slipped onto the edge of the bed. I didnt realise the ring meant that much to you.
Marnie sat up, wiping tears from her cheeks.
Its not just the ring, Katie. Its that you and Mum always make decisions for me, as if my feelings dont matter.
Katies brow furrowed. Thats not true. We love you.
Love? Then why does Mum always pick you? Why do you always get the time, the money, the attention, while Im left with the scraps?
What are you saying? Katie snapped. Mum never favours anyone!
Really? Marnie lifted her hand, the ring glinting. And now you want the one thing that actually means something to me.
I didnt know you were so attached, Katie whispered. Mum just said its tradition
There is no tradition! Marnie cut in. She made it up to please you, as usual.
Eleanor entered, looking crestfallen.
Girls, please stop fighting. Katie, go fetch a kettle. I need to have a word with Marnie alone.
Katie nodded and left. Eleanor sat beside Marnie.
Marnie love, Im sorry, she said, taking her daughters hand. I never meant to hurt you.
But you did, Marnie replied, pulling her hand away. As always.
Do you really think I love Katie more? Eleanors eyes glistened with pain.
I know I do, Marnie said, standing and walking to the window. All my life Ive felt like the second fiddle. Always Katie, Katie, Katie and now you want to take my only reminder of the one time I felt truly loved.
Eleanor lowered her head, then whispered, Youre right. I did give Katie more attention, but not because I love her more. You were always the independent one, grown up too fast. Katie needed the extra care.
Thats no excuse, Marnie said, shaking her head.
I know, Eleanor sighed. I love you both equally, just in different ways.
A heavy silence fell. Finally, Eleanor spoke softly, The ring is yours. I have no right to take it away. Im sorry for upsetting you.
Mum, Marnie called, does the ring really bring lovehappiness?
Eleanor smiled weakly. Grandma believed that. When she gave it to me, I was still single. She said, Wear it and itll help you find true love. I met your father a month later.
Marnie glanced at the garnet, which glowed like a drop of frozen blood in the lamp light.
But you and Dad split up, she noted.
Yes, but I was happy for a spell, and I have you two. Isnt that happiness enough? Eleanor replied.
At that moment Katie appeared with a tray of three teacups and a vase of biscuits.
Peace? she asked, eyes flicking between mother and sister.
Marnie took a cup, sipped, and nodded.
They settled in the sitting room. Katie chattered about her upcoming wedding the dress shed eyed, the flowers shed chosen while Marnie twirled the ring on her finger halfheartedly.
What about you and Max? Any ring yet? she asked, cutting through the excitement.
Nothing yet, Katie admitted, looking down. He proposed, but hes out of work and I cant afford a proper band on my admin salary.
So thats why you came for mine, Marnie said.
Yes, Katie confessed. Mum told me about Grandmas ring and I thought but now I see I was wrong. Its yours, and I shouldnt have asked.
Tears welled in Katies eyes. Marnie realised that all these years her jealousy had a grain of truth Katie had indeed been Mums golden child, the one who got everything. Yet now before her sat not a spoiled brat but a genuine young woman, genuinely sorry.
You know what, Marnie said, sliding the ring off, Ill lend it to you for the wedding. Just for one day. Then you give it back, alright?
Really? Katie beamed. Youre not joking?
Not joking, Marnie handed it over. Try it on.
Katie slipped the ring onto her finger; it was a tad loose.
Itll need resizing, she noted.
No need, Marnie laughed. Just remember its a oneday loan.
Got it, Katie said, gratitude bright in her eyes. Thank you, sis. You have no idea how much this means.
Eleanor watched, tears glistening.
Marnie, youre my treasure, she whispered, hugging her older daughter. Im sorry Ive been unfair.
Dont, Marnie blushed. Lets not make a fuss.
The evening drifted on with tea and wedding talk. Marnie even offered to help with the preparations. The tension melted, and the room grew cozier.
When Katie was about to leave, she took off the ring and handed it back.
Keep it safe. Ill need it before the big day, okay?
Marnie tucked it back into the velvet box. As she watched Katie out the door, Eleanor cleared the cups.
Youre a wonderful daughter, she said, hugging Marnie again. Youve shown real forgiveness today. Im proud of you.
Dont overdo it, Mum, Marnie teased. I only lent the ring for a day, not handed it over forever.
Youre still a saint, her mother replied.
That night Marnie lay awake, thinking about the ring, Grandmas words, and the fact that in thirteen years shed never found true love. Maybe shed been too busy wearing it.
The next morning her phone rang it was Katie.
Marnie, you wont believe it! Max got a job! Good pay, a proper contract!
Congratulations, Marnie murmured, halfasleep. Im happy for you.
And guess what? Yesterday I told Max about the ring, about how you generously let me borrow it for the wedding. He said hed been called about the job that very morning. Isnt that something? Maybe the ring really does bring luck!
Marnie smiled. Maybe, she said. Im glad things are falling into place.
Come over this weekend, celebrate! Katie urged.
Ill try, Marnie replied. Works a bit hectic.
After the call, Marnie stared at the ceiling, feeling a weight lift from her chest. The argument had shifted something deep inside, like a stone finally moved.
Later that day the phone rang again. It was Eleanor.
Marnie love, Ive been thinking could you come for the weekend? Ill make your favourite apple crumble.
Marnie raised an eyebrow. Mum rarely invited her over without a reason.
Whats up?
Nothing much, Eleanor said, a hint of mischief in her tone. Just thought Id see my daughter. Is that odd?
No, not at all, Marnie replied after a pause. Ill be there.
The weekend arrived. As Marnie pulled up to the family home, she felt a flutter of nerves. Since moving into her own flat three years ago, visits had become rare, limited to holidays and occasional calls.
Eleanor met her at the door, clutching a small box.
Come in, love, she said, pulling Marnie into a warm hug. Im thrilled youre here.
The house smelled of fresh apple crumble. Marnie followed into the kitchen where a table was set.
Whats the occasion? she asked, eyeing the treat.
Cant a mum just spoil her daughter? Eleanor laughed, offering a slice. Sit down, the crumbles still warm.
Over tea they chatted about Marnies job, Katies upcoming nuptials, and Mums health. When the crumble was gone, Eleanor handed over the little box.
This is for you, she said.
Marnie opened it to find a delicate ring set with a tiny emerald.
Mum, whats this?
Its my grandmothers ring, your greatgrandmothers, Eleanor whispered, her throat tight. I kept it all these years, and now I want you to have it. To show you I love you just as much as Katie. I wasnt always good at showing it.
Marnie stared at the emerald, feeling a sting in her eyes.
Grandma said emeralds bring wisdom, Eleanor added. Youve always been the wise one, even as a child. Try it on?
Marnie slipped the ring on; it fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting for her.
Thank you, Mum, she said softly. Its beautiful.
Eleanor took her hand. Im sorry for favouring Katie more. You deserved better. You deserve everything.
Marnie embraced her mother, and years of pentup hurt seemed to melt away.
Mum, what happened to the ring you gave me, the one I lent to Katie? she asked later.
Its not really my ring, Eleanor admitted. I bought it when your father and I married, then we made up the grandmothers story so youd treasure it. It worked, didnt it?
The whole happinessinlove thing?
Its true enough, Mum chuckled. At least it brought me some luck. And apparently its doing the same for Max now.
Marnie admired the new emerald ring on her finger.
Did it really belong to greatgrandma? she asked.
Yes, Eleanor confirmed. She kept it for a special moment, and this is it.
They talked late into the night. For the first time in years, Marnie felt genuinely at home. When she left, Eleanor walked her to the door.
Youre a brilliant woman, Marnie, she said. Im so proud.
Stop it, Marnie laughed. Were fine.
Outside, the street was dark. Marnie headed for the tube, reflecting on how a fight over a ring had almost driven a wedge but instead stitched them back together. Sometimes you have to air the grievances to get a fresh start.
She glanced at the emerald glinting on her finger. The garnet on Katies old ring still shone bright and bold perfect for her fiery sister. Perhaps Grandmas words about happiness in love held a grain of truth after all. At least now Marnie felt Mums love for her was as strong as it was for Katie, and that was more than enough.
