Dont Believe Gossip
Lucy is sipping her coffee during the break between consultationsa warm, slightly bitter mouthful she hopes will wake her up for the next few hours of demanding work. She puts down her cup and reaches for a napkin, only for a chair to scrape loudly beside her. Alice, the cleaner from the neighbouring ward, slides into the seat, arms folded smugly, her eyes gleaming as she grins at Lucy.
Well, go on then, spill! says Alice, cocking her head with anticipation.
Lucy nearly chokes on her last sip. The coffee scorches her throat, and she coughs hurriedly, covering her mouth. She looks up at her colleague, eyes questioning, trying to figure out whats behind this sudden attack.
Oh, dont play innocent! Alice waves her hand as if brushing away Lucys feigned confusion. Saw your husband yesterday, I did. Went into the jewellers. So I followed him incouldnt help it, had to see! Didnt get too close, but I definitely saw a little box. Come on! Show me!
Lucy feels her insides clench. She drops her gaze to the remains of her divine coffee, then back up at Alice. Her colleagues voice isnt just curiousenvy laces every word, as though shes already imagining that ring on her own finger, the one shes convinced Mark was buying for his wife.
Sorry, but you must have been mistaken, Lucy replies with a forced smile, keeping her voice as steady as possible. Mark was at home last night. The whole evening.
Half past six it was! Alice leans forward, eyes glittering. And dont treat me like an idiot! It was your husband, I got a good look when he picked you up from work before. Couldnt mistake that walk or that same old jacket. Dont deny it. Just show me whats in the box already!
Lucys throat dries. Suddenly, it feels stifling even in the cool air of the staff room. She adjusts her crisp white coat, noticing how her shirt clings sticky to her back. Alice is eyeing her with the glee of someone who cant wait to tell the others about this extravagant gift Marks supposedly given.
Honestly, youre wrong, Lucy repeats quietly but firmly. Sorry, my breaks over. Ive got little patients and anxious parents waiting.
Lucy hurriedly stands, determined not to spend another minute with Alice. Shes always chosen these breaks between appointments, hoping to snatch at least ten minutes of peace and quiet, to sit in the half-empty staff room, listen to some low music, just breathe before the next rush. But no such luck today.
The hospitals queen of gossip had pounced, it seemed, just waiting to grab onto any crumb and blow it up into drama.
Ahh, now I see, Alice sneers, slouching back in her chair, folding her arms again. Your darling husbands got somebody else, hasnt he! Thats the real story! Lucy Bennetts being ditched by her perfect Mark!
Lucys muscles tighten, but outwardly she stays composed. Turning slowly, she fixes Alice with an irritated stare.
Dont be ridiculous, she snaps, voice as firm as she can make it. My husband loves me. Weve a wonderful son
Whos not even yours! interrupts Alice coldly, holding Lucys gaze. Clever man, your Mark. Dumps the kid on you, runs around on business all over. Bet hes got a girl in every city.
Lucy grips the edge of the table, her nails digging into the wood. The storm inside is threatening to spill over, but she manages to keep up a calm façade. She wants to yell at Alice to be quiet, but instead she breathes out slowly, replying evenly,
You dont know anything about my family. Or my husband. Please, stop spreading nonsense.
Alice only smirks, shaking her head as she moves to stand.
Sure, sure. Lets see what youre saying in a months time. Or a week. Mennever can depend on them, can you?
She marches off, making a show of her heels clicking on the tiled floor. Lucy remains seated, staring ahead. Her hands shake, so she hides them beneath the table, afraid someone will notice. Alices words circle round and round in her head, refusing to let her focus.
Suddenly, Lucy pivots in her seat, her eyes aflame with anger. She catches up to Alice in the corridor, closing the gap swiftly, and speaks in emphatic, clipped tones.
One more word, and Im straight to the matron. Dont think you wont be out on your earno ones going to stick up for you. Youve worn everyone thin already!
Her voice is steady, but so steely that Alice involuntarily steps back. Alice opens her mouth to reply, but Lucy has already turned away, striding from the canteen, heels tapping out her determination.
Im only trying to help you! Alice yells after her, making sure others can hear. Leave him before its too late! He wasnt just in the jewellersI saw him at the florists too! And cooing on the phone with someone! Oh Lucy, honestly
Her last words are muttered more quietly, tinged with frustration. Lucy doesnt even turn. Her back remains straight, stride confident, as if Alices words havent touched her at all. But inside, her thoughts are a whirlpool.
Left alone, Alice fidgets with the hem of her pinny, repeatedly clenching and unclenching her fists, trying to calm her annoyance. Her mind whirls, What a piece of work that Lucy is! Cant even say a word without her jumping down your throat…
Muttering, Alice heads back to her duties. Her feet feel heavy as lead, resentment swirling in her chest. The urge to share her hot scoop with the others itches at her tonguetheyd love it, lap it up! But her sense prevails. She knows Lucy by nowshe would go straight to management, complaint filed, end of. Then what? Start job hunting again.
Where would I even find something this good? she ponders, straightening a pile of patient notes. The pay heres miles above the NHS average Private clinics dont come along every day.
She flops into her chair, glancing at the clock, sighing heavily. Hours left to the end of shift, and her moods already ruined. Better get on with the real work, before shes dismissed without a gossip complaint anyway
****************
Lucy is tormented by doubt. Around others she can confidently say that everything is fine at homevoice calm, eyes steady, lips curling in a soft smile. But alone now, anxieties creep in. Alices words, like splinters under the skin, jab sharp reminders she cant ignore.
Mark really had come in last night close to eight. She was surprisedhes normally back by six, seven at the latest. Anchored at work, hed muttered without meeting her eye before heading straight for the shower, as if rushing to wash off the day. She only nodded, saying nothing, but something just felt off inside. Perhaps its something simpleperhaps his lateness and vague excuses arent hiding what Alices gossip insists.
Lucy slowly unlocks the front door, steps over the threshold, and calls, out of habit,
Im home!
Only silence answers.
She stands still a moment, listening. Usually its completely different. First to greet her is Archiethe golden retriever who barely tolerates anyone else in the flat, but absolutely adores Lucy. After him comes Jamieher boy, her sunshine, running to her, full of smiles, grabbing her hand to show her whatever important thing hes made: a new plasticine animal, a drawing, or his latest Lego creation.
But tonightsilence. Only the hallway clock ticks on.
Lucy takes off her shoes, hangs her coat on the peg, and moves through the flat, peeking into the rooms.
Where are you? she tries louder now, keeping her tone steady.
No answer.
Her heart tightens. Maybe theyve gone for a walk? But Archie never leaves her side, and Jamie knows not to wander off without asking. Lucy grabs her phone and calls Mark. The phone rings, but nobody answers. She tries again. And again.
Nothing.
Dread creeps in. She goes into the kitchen. Maybe there are clues? On the table sits a half-finished cup of tea, next to it Jamies open book. A toy lorry is in the middle of the floor. Everything seems as if they were just here, but now… vanished.
Lucy breathes deeply, trying to stop the panic rising.
Calm down, she murmurs to herself. Nothings wrong. Theyll be back soon.
But the inner voice, persistent and quiet, whispers: What if not? What if Alice wasnt just gossiping?
She moves to the window. The evening sun casts a warm glow over the communal gardens; children are playing, someones walking a dog. But neither Mark, Jamie nor Archie are in sight.
Lucy slumps into a chair, gripping the edge of the kitchen table. Questions chase each other through her mind: Where are they? Why isnt anyone picking up? Worst of allwhat if Alice saw something Lucy herself refuses to see?
Its then Lucy notices a large envelope sat right in the middle of the living room coffee table. It looks unfamiliarnot a bill nor those endless leaflets left by the door. Theres something ominous about it: thick cream paper, big bright letters demanding Open Me.
She hesitates at the threshold of the lounge. After Alices hints, her own anxious thoughts, silent evenings with Mark, any unexpected item in the house feels like bad news. Carefully, she reaches out, her fingers just brushing the envelopes edge.
Her hands shake. Lucy takes a deep breath to steady herself, finally picking it upits light, but no less intimidating for it. She tears the flap and extracts the folded sheet inside. Pausing, she closes her eyes, bracing for words like divorce, or Im leavinganything that would shatter life as she knew it.
She opens the note, barely daring to look.
And freezes.
On itjust one line. An address she knows by heart. The little, cosy cafe on the corner, with stained-glass windows and tables under stripey umbrellas. The place where Mark, years ago, had seated her across from him, nervously fiddling with a napkin, then suddenly dropping to one knee and, looking into her eyes, had asked, Will you marry me?
A smile spreads across Lucys face in spite of herself, the tightness finally beginning to ease. Her hands are still trembling, but now its anticipation, not fear. She reads the address again, searching for some hidden clue in those familiar words.
I wonder if this is a good sign? she thinks, pressing the note to her chest
********************
Lucy steps out of the cab, drawing a deep breath of cool autumn air and adjusting her coat. The street looks familiar, but tonight everything feels alteredmaybe its nerves, fluttering in her chest, maybe just not knowing why Mark wanted her here.
She pushes open the cafes glass door, the bell tinkling cheerily and breaking the hush within. Inside, its warm and full of the smell of fresh coffee and vanilla pastries. Lucy pauses, scanning the room, and then her heart somersaults.
At their favourite table by the stained-glass window sit her whole world: Markin ironed shirt and smart jacket, Jamieall dressed up, eyes sparkling, and beside them, Archie, who leaps up with a wagging tail the instant he spots her.
Everyone looks dapper, happy, loved. Over their heads hangs a huge banner with a silvery 5 on it. Lucy frownsFive?but before she has time to work it out, Jamie sprints towards her.
Mum! Congratulations! he shouts, arms flung wide, and Lucy drops into a squat just in time to sweep him up in a hug.
She hugs her son tightly, burying her nose in his soft, shampoo-scented hair. For a second all her anxieties melt awaytheres only this warm, right feeling that Jamie always brings.
But… what for? Lucy asks, laughing nervously. Weve only been married four years… and its not even July.
Jamie giggles, grabs her hand and tugs her to the table.
Thats not it! he cries. Youll see!
Mark stands, beaming, and steps forward holding a huge bouquetwhite roses, Lucys favourites, tied in a satin ribbon. She holds her breath, taking in just how happy, how youthful Mark looks, like the man she first met five years ago.
Its not our wedding anniversary, says Mark, handing over the flowers. But this dates special too. Five years ago today we met. Ill never forget that dayit was fate that brought us together!
Lucy ruffles Jamies hair, her expression turning fond and just a little teasing.
Brought together by this rascal, she says warmly, looking at Jamie. Who couldnt sit still for five minutes. Right, Jamie? Who knocked his head and made me dash back to work at the hospital?
The boy lifts his chin, cheeks aglow with pride, looking ready for a medal.
Me! he announces gleefully.
He bursts out laughing, that free and innocent noise filling the cafe with light. Lucy cant help but join in, and Mark, watching them, feels his heart fill to the brim with affection.
It was fate, Mark says again, shaking his head stubbornly. Remember, youd already finished for the day, had gone home. But youd forgotten your phone and had to come back.
I ended up staying another two hours, she replies quietly. Someone clung to me like a little limpet and wouldnt let go.
She looks at Jamie, whos still grinning, thrilled to be part of such an important family story.
See? I told youfate made us crash together, Mark repeats, eyes sparkling, lips curved in that smile thats always warmed Lucy’s heart. Ive got a present for you. Hope its the right one.
He steps forward and hands over a small box, tied with a bright red bow. Lucy pauses, breath caught, as she lifts the lid with shaking fingers.
Inside, nestled on velvet, are earringsdelicate, shimmering with subtle flecks that dance in the lamps glow. Lucy gasps. Theyre beautiful, but more than thatthey perfectly match the pendant shes always worn around her neck.
Ive got no words, Lucy whispers, her eyes bright with tears. She looks at Mark, then at Jamie, whos waiting eagerly for her reaction. Thank you… both of you!
Her voice wavers, but its happiness, not pain, that moves her. Carefully, she lifts the earrings to the light for a better look before turning back to Mark.
Theyre perfect, she says softly, every word honest and full. How did you know?
I just wanted you to have something to remember today, he answers, taking her hand. The day we met. The day you became family. That were together.
Jamie, seeing his mum get teary, charges over and hugs her round the knees.
I love you, too! he announces with such seriousness that Lucy bursts out laughing and bends to kiss his hair.
Archie, not wanting to be left out, nudges Lucys leg with his nose for a fuss. She reaches down to stroke him and he wags his tail, clearly delighted.
A feeling of warmth and belonging fills the cafe. Other customers smile at the little family, and Lucy, holding her gift and surrounded by her loved ones, knowsthis is what happiness really is
****************
The next day, Alice stands at a corridor window, arms folded, watching Lucy pass. Lucy looks put together, calm, almost sternher hair done up in a tight bun that shows off her neck and jawline. And in her ears, those filigree earrings that catch and sparkle with every move in the autumn sunlight coming through the glass.
Alice clenches her fists. Typical, she thinks. Glowing like a brand new pound coin. And only yesterday looking like her world was about to end. She remembers how hard she tried to plant doubts, to hint at Lucys husbands betrayalsand yet, heres Lucy: not just serene but properly happy.
And its even more infuriating.
