A Husband Needed Urgently
Mum, you really need to find yourself a new husband. As soon as possible. I mean, its urgent!
Helen just about managed not to spill her coffee, though a splash did make its way onto the tablecloth. She set her cup down, cleared her throat, and looked straight at her daughter.
Could you tell me whats going on? she asked, keeping her voice calm. Wheres this coming from?
Lucy shuffled her feet, eyes fixed on the pattern of the rug. She looked awkward, but she spoke with a firm sort of certainty.
You see today I told Dad that you have a boyfriend, she sighed heavily. He absolutely pummelled me with questions! Keeps asking if youve found anyone. All this time, when I said no, hed launch into these endless speeches about what a colossal mistake you made leaving him. How you clearly dont understand anything about life, letting go of such a wonderful man.
She glanced up. All sorts of things flickered in Lucys eyes: frustration, confusion, and a touch of anger at her father.
And he always says youll realise how wrong you are soon enough and come running back. He reckons youll never do better. So I snapped and said youd met someone.
Helen ran her hand through her hair, and immediately heard her ex-husbands familiar tone in her head that forced confidence, that way he had of steering any conversation to revolve entirely around him.
I can just imagine the sort of colourful language he uses, she said with a half-smile. He still cant accept the idea that I left such a perfect bloke. Sometimes I think Stuart only insists on your weekend visits so he can have an audience for his monologues. Its not about seeing you, its about gathering the latest gossip and stroking his own ego.
Lucy gave a long sigh, tumbling onto the sofa with her knees tucked up. Leaning against a cushion, she absentmindedly brushed the fabric with her fingertips, searching for the right words.
I think so too, she said, staring into the distance. Its just ninety minutes of how brilliant he is. The rest of the time, Im left completely on my own he doesnt even ask how I am, or how schools going, or if I need anything
She spoke about it as if it was a weather report or describing her school timetable. But then, Lucy had long gotten used to it so much so it didnt seem worth getting upset about anymore.
She stared up at the ceiling, replaying the last conversation with her dad. As always, it started with his latest achievement this time, a detailed account of how cleverly hed negotiated a new deal at work. Then, onto his grand plans, the endless obstacles he faces, and how nobody around him recognises his genius. Ninety minutes, Lucy noted mentally, something shed make sure she mentioned to Helen later.
And when she tried to tell him about winning a maths competition at school? He just nodded absentmindedly and immediately changed the subject back to himself. Well done, yes, but you know, at your age Id already and off hed go again with another batch of stories about his feats.
Lucy shrugged a little, shaking off the memory. She was well and truly used to it. As far back as she could remember, her dad had always been absorbed in himself. The rest of the family existed somewhere at the edges of his awareness important, but never as important as the main event: himself.
Any conversation would soon swing back to his own life. If Helen ever mentioned feeling tired, hed start bragging about how hard he worked. If Lucy talked about her friends, hed find a way to shift the subject to his own school days which of course were more colourful and dramatic. It was as if other peoples worries barely registered on his radar.
Lucy never understood how her mum lasted fifteen years with someone like him. He was so unequivocally fixated on himself! Maybe she stayed for Lucys sake, not wanting her daughter to grow up without a father. As a child, Lucy had believed her dad might eventually notice and care about their lives too, but as the years rolled on, nothing changed. Only after the divorce did she discover how much more peaceful life was without him no one constantly hogging the spotlight and brushing aside everyone elses feelings as trivial.
So why have I suddenly got to find myself a man straight away? Helens voice was a little sharper than she probably meant. Whats the big deal if you said it?
You dont get it when Dad heard, he completely transformed! Lucy grimaced, hugging a cushion to her chest. First, he went pale, then red, then started shouting so loud the neighbour popped her head round! Honestly, he scared me a bit.
She paused, remembering the scene. Her dads voice was pitched higher than usual, hands clenched, eyes darting all over the place. He looked about ready to burst.
He insisted I tell him the mans name and every tiny detail, Lucy went on, picking at the cushions edge. I said no that youd asked me to keep it secret, especially from him. Dont be surprised if he calls soon and starts having a go at you.
Helen turned, resting her back against the window sill, eyeing her daughter closely. This was going to be an eventful day She could picture Stuarts reaction all too easily. Thanks, Lucy, she thought dryly.
Sitting beside her daughter on the sofa, Helen let out a heavy sigh and hugged her. There was nothing to be done now whats said is said.
What prompted you to make it up? she asked softly, gently rocking Lucy in her arms. We were fine the way we were! Now Ill have to deal with his tantrums and complaints again. Makes me want to switch off my phone.
Lucy slipped free, sat up straight and looked Helen dead in the eye, full of earnest conviction.
Because youre wonderful! she declared. Youre gorgeous, clever, youve got loads of friends, and men are totally into you! You think I dont notice? But Dad he constantly talks nonsense about you, and Im done with it!
Helen stroked Lucys hair, fingers sifting through the soft strands. There was love and a hint of anxiety in her gaze.
I get it, sweetheart, she said gently. Truth be told, I thought youd be the last person to want me with someone new. Its only been half a year since the divorce.
Shed worried Lucy might take a new relationship as a betrayal, or an attempt to replace her dad. Helen scanned her daughters face for the tiniest sign of upset.
Nonsense! Lucy huffed, sounding so grown up that Helen had to smile. You just need to be happy. Thats all.
Lucy folded her arms, her smile confident and bright. For a moment, she looked positively adult measured and strong-willed.
Helens worries slowly faded as she took in that look. Maybe she really was letting the past weigh on her mind too much, and letting the future worry her more than it should.
Youre a star, Helen whispered, squeezing Lucy close again. Thank you for looking out for me.
Lucy nestled next to her, warm and relaxed, and in that moment they both felt a sense of peace as if their little family was somehow growing stronger with each day.
***************************
Later at work, Helen was struggling to focus on a report. The lines kept blurring and a dull ache which had started quietly that morning was now pounding behind her eyes. She rubbed her temples, hoping for some relief, her hands moving slowly shed done this countless times already.
After a few minutes, she caved and asked a colleague to pop into Boots round the corner for some paracetamol. Swallowing the tablets with a glass of water, she tried reading her documents again. Absolutely pointless. Her head felt full of lead, and every sound the clatter of keyboards, the rumbling aircon, distant chatter sent fresh spikes of pain through her skull.
Suddenly, the security guard poked his head through her office door. He looked polite, but wary.
Mrs. Parker, theres someone here to see you, he said, holding the door open. Its your ex-husband, insisting you come down. Will you see him, or shall we show him out?
Helen froze, fighting a wave of irritation on top of her exhaustion. She took a deep breath, keeping her face calm.
Ill come down thanks, sorry for the hassle, she replied, standing up.
She cursed silently. Just what she needed! The day was already rough, her head was pounding and now Stuart decided to show up unannounced. Why not call first? Or better yet, not at all? Did he really want to create a scene at her office?
She made her way out, slowly so as not to worsen her headache. The corridor bustled with colleagues, people laughing at the coffee machine or discussing projects by the whiteboard. Helen walked on, trying to roll the tension from her shoulders.
She saw Stuart immediately in the lobby, pacing back and forth, half-hovering near reception, gesticulating wildly and arguing with the security guards, voice rising. The look on their faces was a mix of forced patience and readiness to act if needed.
What do you want? Helen jumped straight in as she approached. Her tone was controlled, even as frustration bubbled inside. Seriously, what do you think youre doing? Dyou want me to call the police? I could arrange that.
Stuart spun round at her voice, face flushed and eyes blazing with something anger or perhaps panic. He rushed up, finger stabbing in her direction as if catching her in some dreadful act.
You! Lucy said everything! Its only been six months since the divorce and youve found a new man already?
His tone was a mess of disbelief, hurt, and obvious jealousy. Like hed convinced himself Lucy was joking or trying to wind him up. But faced with Helens cool expression, he saw it was real.
She raised an eyebrow, head tilted, body relaxed but her gaze cold.
So Im supposed to stay faithful to you forever, is that it? she replied, even-toned. Even after the divorce? Youre asking a bit much, especially considering fidelity was never much of a priority for you when we were married.
Stuart faltered, unsure how to react. His finger dropped, eyes flickering with confusion clearly not the reply hed hoped for.
People bustled past: staff, couriers, visitors. Some snuck curious glances, some ignored them. But for Helen and Stuart, the world narrowed to the tense space between them packed with old resentments and unsaid grievances.
You you just he started, but Helen cut him off.
Can you not make a spectacle, Stuart? she said, her voice softer but no less firm. If you want to talk, we can do it somewhere quiet. But not like this.
A spectacle? You want a spectacle?!
Stuart barely restrained his shouting, his voice echoing round the lobby. His cheeks were mottled and his fists clenched and unclenched, on the edge of losing his temper completely.
Im not letting my daughter share a roof with some random stranger! he barked, not caring now who heard. Im going to get custody! Youll never see Lucy again, you
His words sounded wild and almost desperate, but Helen only raised an eyebrow, her expression serenely indifferent. Take Lucy? Shed love to see him try! Any court would side with her.
Done now? she said, voice cool and lightly mocking. Youre quite the performer. Shouldnt you be at the circus?
Whats going on here? said a new voice.
Stuart stopped, whipping round to face the newcomer. A man in a well-cut navy suit stood in the doorway, confident but relaxed, eyes steady and calm. The security guards, trying to contain Stuart politely all this time, immediately straightened clearly someone important at the firm.
Stay out of this! Stuart snapped, throwing him a glare. His face was still beetroot, his voice now bristling with irritation. Its none of your business, mate.
The man didnt reply straight away. Instead, he walked forward, stopping just far enough away to get a good look at them both. There was a faint hint of a smile, which only made Stuart bristle more.
Somethings only private if its done in private, the man replied at last. When its a public row in a workplace, it becomes everyones business.
Helen watched, feeling the tension in the air thicken almost tangibly. She hadnt expected Andrew Harrison, the MD, to appear but honestly, his involvement seemed like a relief right now, knocking Stuart off his angry script.
Stuart shifted towards Andrew, clearly gearing up for a comeback, but Andrew just stood there, calm and unfazed, like hed dealt with far worse tempers.
And who are you to tell me what to do? Stuart ground out, trying to keep hold of his fraying composure. Meddling in whats not your concern.
Andrew strode forward with confidence. He reached Helen, still dazed by the scene, and slipped an arm around her waist firmly, making it abundantly clear to everyone whose side he was on.
Who am I? he said, voice even and almost casual, but with an ice-cold edge that made Stuart involuntarily step back. Im the man who makes Helen happy now. You dont get to shout at my partner I wont stand for it. And if you want a little run-in with the police, mine wont be so friendly. And if you dare use your daughter as a pawn well, dont say you werent warned.
Stuart froze. The anger drained from his face, replaced by a startled sort of paleness. He flicked his gaze from Andrew to Helen, struggling to take in how swiftly the tables had turned. The look in his eyes was almost bewildered hed clearly expected to rattle Helen, not encounter someone so unflappable.
For a few moments he just stood, fists clenching and unclenching, as if wrestling with what to say. But for once, the words wouldnt come whether out of shock at Andrews confidence, or simply the realisation that this time, his usual approach wasnt working.
Eventually, he screwed up his face and muttered something unintelligible before spinning around and stalking out of the lobby, his stride stiff and awkward desperate to salvage some dignity. But he turned just once to fling back over his shoulder,
Dont expect a penny of maintenance!
Dont need it, Helen retorted, laughing lightly with real relief in her voice. At least Lucy wont have to go to his any more!
Suddenly, Helen realised Andrews hand was still gently resting on her hip. The gesture, small but meaningful, made her blush a little, and she stepped away carefully, trying not to appear flustered.
Turning to her unexpected rescuer with a slightly shy smile, she said,
Thank you so much, Andrew, honestly you have no idea how much that helped.
He smiled, warm and understanding.
How about we talk it over at lunch? he asked, offering his hand.
Helen paused a second, considering was it too soon, too casual? But then, she realised how reassuringly respectful Andrew always had been, and quite honestly, some proper company sounded brilliant after all the drama.
Absolutely, she replied, placing her hand in his.
The touch was reassuring solid and kind without being pushy. Helen felt the tension of the morning melting away, replaced by a gentle flutter of excitement and anticipation.
Later, sitting together in a cosy bistro just around the corner, the mood relaxed. Soft lighting, gentle background music, and the smell of fresh scones set the tone perfectly.
During their easy conversation, she learnt a little more about her unexpected hero and how hed been holding a soft spot for her for ages. He spoke of it simply, without fuss just as something that had grown naturally.
Ive wanted to say something for a while, he confessed, stirring his tea. Youve always seemed so focused and serious lately After the divorce, I didnt want to come on too strong or seem inconsiderate.
Helen listened quietly. There was no arrogance in him, just respect for her feelings and space.
And when I saw your ex shouting at you today Andrew frowned, displeased at the memory. I honestly couldnt stand by.
This time, Helen couldnt help but give a genuine, warm smile. So thats what all those glances meant! Shed always liked Andrew, just never dreamed hed ever dare approach her first what with his position and all.
*******************
Three months after that tense scene at work, Helen and Andrew were married. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous Andrew made all Helens dreams come true, down to the tiniest detail.
Lucy was thrilled for her mum. She helped Helen get ready on the big day, fussing over her hair and the last button on the dress. When the newlyweds exchanged rings, Lucy gave them both a huge hug, beaming.
Im honestly so happy for you both! she whispered, her joy unmistakable.
But Lucy made it clear early on that she wasnt going to start calling Andrew dad.
I do like you, Andrew, she told him during one of their first evenings as a new family. And Im really glad Mums not alone. But, dad well, Ive already got one of those.
Andrew just smiled in understanding. Of course, Lucy. Thats more than fair. The most important thing is were together.
Even Stuart received an invitation to the wedding more as a civil gesture than anything else. Helen hesitated over whether or not to send it, but in the end thought, he ought to know her life moves on without him. So, she posted the card with just the date, time and address no letter.
As expected, Stuart ignored it. He didnt even consider turning up the very idea made him feel indignant and bruised. Instead, he found another way to vent his irritation: ringing up old friends and mutual acquaintances.
He started the day after the invitation arrived, his voice oddly measured but with unmistakable tension when he spoke.
Can you believe she invited me to her own wedding? he blurted, barely waiting for the greetings to finish. After everything!
His old university mate politely asked what was so outrageous about it. Stuart just waved it off How can she humiliate me like that?
This repeated itself for several days. He called one number after another, launching into the same rant about the invitation, half hoping for someone to tell him he was right, that Helen was a disgrace.
But everyone was measured in response. Some offered sympathetic noises, others replied, Well, everyone has to move on, and some simply stayed quiet. And the more Stuart repeated his story, the more he realised how hollow it sounded.
So then hed shift tact: Its only been six months! Who finds real love that fast? Shes just trying to run away from reality. Shes desperate to forget me, can you see?
Sometimes hed try another angle, She never gave me a chance to fix things! If wed just talked, I could have
He never finished what, exactly, he could have done won her back? Changed his ways? Started over?
Hed even slip into grumbling about how ungrateful Helen was: After everything I did for her, she didnt even say thank you. Just walked out with Lucy!
These grumbles about gratitude just sounded even less convincing. Some friends exchanged glances, others muttered carefully that surely marriage didnt warrant a medal it was normal, after all.
Stuart would fall silent, feeling more and more frustrated. No one took his side, no one denounced Helen for moving on. In fact, it seemed like everyone agreed she had every right to be happy which just made him sulkier.
Eventually, weary of repeating the same tired lines, Stuart stopped calling people at all. He sat alone in his flat, surrounded by the last bits of Helens belongings a forgotten hairband, an old photo album, some outgrown dresses. And he had to admit: life goes on, with or without him. He just hadnt worked out yet how to fit into this new reality himself.
In the end, Stuart fell silent. Meanwhile, life for Helen, Andrew and Lucy ticked along quietly gentle, ordinary, filled with little joys: family dinners, weekend walks, squabbles over what movie to watch in the eveningThat autumn, Helen, Andrew, and Lucy found themselves carving pumpkins in the small back garden of their brick townhouse. Orange leaves drifted onto the grass, and Lucys laughter mingled with the sound of birds and distant traffic. Helen caught Andrews eye as he knelt beside Lucy, both of them squabbling playfully about whose pumpkin was scariest. When Lucy wrinkled her nose and declared Andrews effort really, devastatingly awful, Andrew only grinned and painted his pumpkins face with an extravagant moustache to match his own.
Helen leaned against the garden table, watching the scene with a gentle burst of gratitude blazing in her chest. Six months ago, she would not have believed in this peace: laughter bubbling through the air, the warmth of a new beginning quietly rooting itself in the most ordinary moments.
Later, with the dusk pressing at the windows and autumn chill curling under the kitchen door, the three gathered for dinner. Lucy set the table and Andrew uncorked a bottle of wine, but it was Helen who paused really paused to breathe in the scent of garlic and rosemary, to absorb the soft hum of conversation, to admire the candlelight bouncing from new picture frames on the wall: snapshots of the three of them grinning, arms draped across one another, and even one of Stuart and Lucy at her school prize-givingjust to show Lucy that family, while changed, was not erased.
After Lucy went to bed, Andrew found Helen on the porch looking up at the stars. He hesitated, then slid his hand into hers.
Regrets? he asked quietly.
She squeezed his fingers. Just one, she teased, that you let Lucy eat most of the cake.
Andrew smiled, and in the soft glow of porch light, Helen let herself fully exhale the old, stale air of the past. She felt certain now: some storms weren’t meant to be weathered forever. Some doors deserved to be shut so others could truly open, wider than she ever dared imagine.
Somewhere inside, Lucy called for a glass of water. Two voices answered her at once, then collided with laughter.
And so, Helen stepped inside her home where love was louder than old grievances, where happiness was not borrowed or proved, but built day by day by willing hearts.
And for all the urgent searches, she discovered the husband she needed most was simply the one who could sit beside her, hold her hand, and see all of her: not as someone unfinished, but as someone finally, beautifully whole.
