Hey love, grab a cuppa and listen Ive got to tell you what happened with Emily and me.
Emily rang me up, all bright and cheery, Milly, come over tomorrow, stay at my flat while yours is being redone. I was grateful, packed my bag, and popped over three hours ago. I hadnt even managed to unpack the suitcase by the sofa.
When I stepped inside, Emily was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, her voice sharp as a kettle whistling. I told you get out of my house, now! she snapped.
I blinked, completely taken aback. Whats wrong with you? I asked, genuinely puzzled. You invited me, you asked me to crash here while.
Never mind! Emily cut in, eyes flashing. Pack your things and get out!
I glanced at my bag, still sitting by the couch. Id barely had time to set anything down. Emily, can you at least tell me whats going on? I tried to keep my tone steady, though my voice trembled.
Nothing. I just dont want you here. I thought I could handle you staying, but I cant. Ill call a cab for you, fine. She tapped the doorframe with her fingers, watching me gather the few items Id managed to pull from the suitcase. Her face stayed stonecold, only the tightness at the sides of her mouth gave her away.
I paused at the threshold, looked at her. Were practically twins same hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones, that stubborn chin. Yet now she seemed like a stranger.
Goodbye, I whispered, stepping out.
Goodbye, Emily echoed, slamming the door.
I trudged down the stairs, replaying the last phone call wed had a week earlier. Milly, come over, stay with me while the work at your flat finishes. We need to patch things up, okay? shed said, voice unusually soft. Are you sure? After everything
Of course we are. Were sisters, after all. There were a few spats, but lets move past them. Come Saturday, Ill pick you up.
So there I was, bag in hand, trying to make sense of three frantic hours that turned her from a warm host into a cold doorstop. Shed greeted me, set the table, asked about my life then disappeared to another room, supposedly to take a call. When she came back, she was a completely different person.
My phone buzzed. A text from Emily: The cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance. I sighed, stepped out into the drizzle, set my bag down on the pavement and pulled out my phone I needed a plan, fast.
The only option was Tom an old schoolmate wed been texting a lot lately. He lives alone in a twobed flat in Manchester and would never turn me away for a few days while I sorted things out.
Hey Tom? I said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess here
He listened without interrupting, then gave me his address. Dont worry, Im on my way. His calm voice made the knot in my chest loosen a bit.
In the cab I finally let the tears flow. Anger burned hot what had I done to deserve this? Were the old wounds from mums death still that raw? After mum passed, wed clashed over the family house. Emily wanted to sell it and split the money; I insisted on keeping it because it held too many memories. I bought her share, went into debt, and held onto the place. Maybe shes still salty about that.
The taxi pulled up outside Toms block. I handed over the fare and stepped out. He was waiting at the door, a grin on his face.
Dont make that face, love, he chuckled, taking my bag. Well get through this.
His flat was cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as I poured out the whole saga.
Something feels off, he mused after I finished. Emily didnt just invite you without a reason. Something must have happened while you were there.
It was nothing special, I shrugged. We had tea, chatted about work, her recent trip to Cornwall. Then she got a call, popped into another room, and came back allsnarled.
Why did she go to another room? What was that about? Tom asked.
I dont know. She spoke softly, then when she returned she started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed talked on the phone about two weeks while my flat is being fixed.
Whats fixing your flat? Tom pressed.
The crew Emily recommended supposedly friends of her exhusband, cheap and good, I said, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. I never checked on them. I have the keys, but I havent been in for a week.
Lets go see for ourselves, Tom suggested. Bad feeling, mate.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should. If everythings fine we go back. If not, at least well know.
Thirty minutes later we were pulling up to my building. My heart hammered as we climbed the stairs. From behind the door came muffled voices and the scrape of furniture being moved.
Theres someone in there, I whispered, frozen.
Tom took the keys from me, swung the door open. Boxes and bags littered the hallway. In the living room, amid the chaos, Emily stood explaining something to two burly movers hauling a wardrobe.
What on earth is happening? I breathed, eyes wide.
Emily jumped, surprise flashing to irritation. Milly? What are you doing here?
My question! I said, arms crossed just like shed done earlier. Whats going on in my flat?
She fidgeted, smoothing her hair. I can explain
I hope you can, I snapped, mirroring her earlier stance.
Emily glanced at the movers, who looked unsure, and told them to take a break. She sighed heavily and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He kicked me out of our place, and Ive got nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something, she blurted.
So you coaxed me out with the fake renovation and then moved in yourself? I felt my hands shake with fury.
Not exactly, she muttered, eyes down. I really wanted us to patch things up, thought we could live together for a while, but then I realised I couldnttoo much history between us, Milly.
So you basically stole my home? I hissed.
Id explain later! I just have nowhere else right now. The same repair guys could have let you stay somewhere else she stammered.
Theres no repair work! I retorted.
Right, she grimaced. I made it up so youd come. I hoped youd give up the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
You call me stubborn? I gagged. Youre manipulating your own sister, trying to evict me from my house! What happened to you, Emily?
She leapt up, face twisted with anger. What happened to you? You were Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! If wed sold the house back then, I could have bought my own place and not been stuck with Ian all these years!
Is that why youre still angry about the house? I paid you your share, even if it took a while, I said quietly. It wasnt about the money, was it? It was about you never caring about my feelings.
Its not the money! Emily shouted. Its that you never considered what I wanted! You only ever thought about yourself!
Thats not true, I shook 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 pack up right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and file a report for illegal entry.
Tom, whod been watching us in stunned silence, stepped forward. Milly, maybe theres a middle ground? Youre sisters, after all
No compromises, I said firmly. Im exhausted by your games. Emily, decide leave or Ill involve the cops.
She stared at me with hatred, but the resolve in my eyes made her finally sigh. Fine, Ill go. Dont think this is over. She gathered her things and slammed the door shut.
An hour later I sank onto the sofa, feeling drained. Tom sat down beside me, his hand warm on mine.
Do you want me to stay? he asked softly.
If you dont mind, I whispered. I could use the company.
Of course, he replied, squeezing my hand. I think Emilys going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse what she did, but it explains a bit.
Maybe, I sighed. Im just tired of the endless fights. She always acts like Ive had it easy, but she forgets mums death tore us apart. She pushed to sell the house right after, as if it were just bricks, while to me its the last tie to Mum.
I get it, Tom said. Grief shows up differently for everyone. For her it might be a way to avoid the pain.
Perhaps, I nodded. But lying, forcing me out thats too much. I dont know if I can ever forgive her.
Give yourself time, he advised. And her too. When the storm passes, maybe youll both be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, I admitted. Right now I just need to sort my own head.
We sat in quiet, the evening darkening outside. The flat still echoed with Emilys brief presence, but the silence felt less oppressive.
Thanks, Tom, I finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, he smiled. Actually, I was thinking how about we go to the park tomorrow? Supposedly the weathers nice. Could use a change of scenery.
I laughed, feeling a genuine smile return. Id love that.
A week later my phone buzzed a call from Emily. My thumb hovered over the hangup, then I answered.
Hey, her voice wavered. Milly, we need to talk.
What about? I asked, cool but curious.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
I swallowed, unsure what to say.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, she continued, voice cracking. I hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
I exhaled deeply. I dont know, Emily. I need time.
Of course, she replied quickly. I understand. Just know I truly regret it.
After hanging up I stared out the window, thinking about everything. Emily, flawed as she is, is still my only family left after Mum. Maybe someday Ill find it in me to let go, but not now. I have to heal first.
My phone pinged again a message from Tom: Park tomorrow? Supposed to be lovely weather. I smiled and typed back, Cant wait.
Life goes on, love. And maybe, just maybe, one day Emily and I will manage to rebuild whats left of our bond. For now, Im learning to value the people who truly stand by you when things get tough, and to stop clinging to toxic ties just because theyre blood. Take care, and Ill catch up with you soon.
