Urgently Needed: A Husband
Mum, you really need to find yourself a husband. And I mean quickly. Urgently!
Alison almost dropped her cup of tea, spilling a few drops onto the linen tablecloth. Carefully, she placed the cup on the table, cleared her throat, and looked closely at her daughter.
Would you care to explain what this is all about? she asked, trying to keep her voice even. Thats quite the demand.
Lucy shuffled her feet awkwardly and avoided her mothers gaze, instead inspecting the swirls on the carpet. She felt embarrassed, but knew deep down shed done the right thing.
You see… I told Dad you were seeing someone, Lucy began, sighing. He just wouldnt stop grilling me! Whenever I visit, he always asks if youve met someone yet. I kept saying no, and every single time hed launch into another lecture about what a terrible mistake you made leaving him. How you dont know what youre doing with your life, losing such a wonderful man!
She looked up at her mother, her expression full of frustration, confusion, and a little bit of anger with her father.
And whats worse… He always goes on about how youll come crawling back to him because youll realise theres no one better. So… I snapped. I told him youd met someone.
Alison ran her fingers through her hair, suddenly hearing her ex-husbands familiar patronising tone and that habit of histurning every conversation into a monologue about his own greatness.
I can imagine the sort of colourful language he used, she said, a trace of irony in her voice. Still cant accept that I left him, the perfect man. Sometimes, I feel like he only insists on these weekend visits so he can indulge in his soapbox speeches. Its not about spending time with youits about collecting gossip to feed his ego.
Lucy gave another heavy sigh and flopped onto the sofa, tucking her knees under herself. Leaning back against a cushion, she absentmindedly stroked the soft upholstery as she gathered her thoughts.
Yeah, thats what I think too, she said, gazing into the distance. I have to listen to an hour and a half of how amazing he is. For the rest of the visit, he doesnt even ask after mehe wont ask how school is, or if I need anything…
Lucy said this with such routine, it sounded like she was reciting her typical day: wake up, breakfast, school, homework. For her, this had become normal, so predictable it hardly stirred any feeling.
She leant back, staring at the ceiling, replaying her last talk with her father in her mind. It always started with a new accomplishmentthis time hed talked at length about some clever deal at work. Then it was onto his future plans, the obstacles he faced, and the way everyone continually overlooked his contributions. An hour and a half of monologueLucy had checked the time in her head specifically so she could mention it to her mother.
When she tried to tell him about the maths competition at school, he barely nodded before switching straight back to his own affairs. Well done, of course, but you know, at your age I was already… and off hed go again with his endless stories of success.
Lucy shrugged, pushing away the memory. Shed become used to her fathers self-obsession. As far back as she could remember, hed always been the centre of his own universe. The rest of the family existed somewhere on the sidelinesimportant, perhaps, but never central enough to distract him from himself.
Whatever anyone else brought up, hed always redirect the conversation. If Mum complained she was tired, hed start in on how gruelling his day had been. If Lucy needed advice about a friend, hed reminisce about his own school days, which, naturally, were far more interesting. It was as if other peoples worries didnt register or werent important enough to notice.
Lucy often wondered how her mother had endured fifteen years with a man so fixated on himself. Maybe shed stuck it out just for her daughters sake, hoping Lucy would grow up with a father around. As a child, Lucy had believed one day her dad would change, finally notice them and care about their lives. But the years went by, and nothing changed. And after the divorce, to her surprise, she discovered how much more peaceful life was without him! No one dominating the room, no trivialising everyone else.
So why exactly do I need to rush and find a new partner? Alisons voice was a little sharper than she intended. Its not the end of the worldbest just let it go.
You dont get it! When Dad heard, he went ballistic. Lucy pulled a cushion into her arms. He went pale, then bright red, and started shouting so much, Mrs Jenkins from next door came knocking! Honestly, it frightened me a bit.
She paused, remembering the scene: her fathers voice, higher than usual, cracking with fury; clenched fists, eyes darting madly. For a moment, hed looked as though hed explode.
He demanded I tell him the mans name, describe everything about him. Lucy fiddled with the edge of the cushion. I refused, said youd told me to say nothing, especially to him. Dont be surprised if he starts phoning you and giving you grief.
Alison turned slowly and leaned against the window ledge as she looked at her daughter. Well, this was shaping up to be an interesting day. No doubt Stas would work himself up into a complete frenzy… Thanks a lot, Lucy, she thought dryly.
She sat beside Lucy and drew her into a hug, letting out a long sigh. There was nothing to be done now; what was said couldnt be unsaid.
Why did you tell him that? she asked gently, rocking Lucy in her arms. We were getting by just finenow Ill have to put up with his rants again. Makes me want to switch my phone off.
Lucy wriggled out of the embrace, sat up straight and fixed her mother with a forthright stareher eyes shining with certainty.
Because youre brilliant! she declared. Youre beautiful, clever, youve got friends, youre popular. Do you think I havent noticed? And Dad always slags you off! Ive just had enough of it!
Alison stroked her daughters hair, sifting her fingers through the soft strands. There was affection in her gaze, mixed with uncertainty.
I understand, darling, I do, she said quietly. Honestly, I thought you wouldnt want me starting a new relationshipits only been six months since your dad and I divorced.
Those words didnt come easily. Deep down, shed worried Lucy would see a new romance as betrayal, or as an attempt to replace her father. Alison studied her daughters face, looking for any hint of discontent.
Nonsense! Lucy scoffed, with such fierce conviction that Alison couldnt help but smile. All I want is for you to be happy!
With her arms folded and an impish grin, Lucy suddenly seemed years olderconfident, sensible, and ready to stick to her guns.
Alison gazed at her daughter, feeling the anxiety inside her untangle. Lucy spoke with such certainty that her doubts began to fade. Maybe it was time to stop fretting so much about the past and fearing the future?
Youre wonderful, Alison said softly, hugging her again. Thank you for looking after me.
Lucy snuggled against her, feeling the warmth and peace that came from knowing their tiny family grew stronger with every challenge.
***
At work, Alison sat at her desk struggling to concentrate on her report. Lines swam before her eyes and her temples throbbed with a headache that had grown steadily worse since morning. Exhausted, she rubbed her temples in slow, automatic motions.
Giving in, she asked her colleague to nip out to Boots for some paracetamolthe pharmacy was just down the road. She washed the tablets down with a glass of filtered water, but concentrating on the screen was hopeless; her head was pounding and every soundtyping, the low hum of the heater, conversations in the corridorsent painful shocks through her skull.
Just then, the buildings security manager appeared at her door, polite but on edge.
Ms Brooks, youve a visitor downstairs. Your ex-husband. Hes insisting on seeing you. Would you like us to escort him out, or…?
Alison froze. Annoyance and weariness surged inside her. She took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure.
Tell him Ill come down, she said, getting up from her chair.
She swore under her breath. Could the day get any worse? The morning had been hellish enough, her head was splitting, and now Tom had decided to ambush her at work. Why couldnt he call? Why show up here of all places? Was he planning to put on a show in front of her colleagues?
Making her way toward the lift, she kept a measured pacethe last thing she needed was for her headache to flare with each step. The office was bustling: people were hurrying between meetings, someone was laughing by the kitchen, another group arguing over a chart on the wall. Alison walked past them, feeling tension knotting her shoulders.
She stepped into the lobby. It was impossible to miss Tom: pacing, hovering near the reception desk, gesticulating wildly, occasionally raising his voice at the staff. The security team, to their credit, remained calm but were clearly ready to step in if things escalated.
What do you want, Tom? Alison asked flatly, wasting no time on pleasantries as she approached. Her voice was calm but edged with irritation. Why are you making a scene? Do you want to meet the local constable? I can arrange it.
He whipped round at her voice, face flushed with anger, eyes burningthough with what, Alison couldnt say: rage, or perhaps panic. He marched up to her, jabbing an accusing finger, as though hed exposed a criminal.
You! he almost shouted. Lucy told me everything! Were only six months out of the divorce and youve got a new man already?
There was disbelief, jealousy, and wounded pride in his voice. Alison was impressed hed really hoped his daughter was lying, or joking. Now, staring at Alisons calm face, he realised it was all true.
She raised an eyebrow, her head cocked, her body language casual but her eyes sharp.
Was I supposed to remain faithful to you forever? she replied, tone even. Even after the divorce? Thats rather much to ask, especially since you werent much for fidelity yourself.
Tom hesitated, unsure how to react. The anger in his posture faltered, his accusing hand dropping. Disbelief flickered through his expressionhe hadnt expected her calm, confident reply.
People kept coming and going: staff, visitors, delivery men… A few watched their exchange, some pointedly avoided it. But for Alison and Tom, the world shrank to this tense stand-off, thick with old grudges and the new shape of things.
You… youre just… he began, but Alison cut him off.
Lets not make a spectacle of ourselves, Tom. Talk to me like an adult, or not at all, and certainly not here.
A spectacle! Ill give you a spectacle!
Now he was almost shouting, his voice ringing round the lobby. His face was blotched in crimson, veins standing out on his neck, fists clenched and unclenched. He stomped forward and back, unsure how to vent his outrage.
I wont have my daughter sharing a house with some stranger! he roared, oblivious to the gathering audience. Ill take Lucy from you! Youll never see her again! I mean it
The words rang out hysterically, but Alison merely arched one eyebrow with cool indifference. Claiming hed take Lucy? She stifled a laugh. Any judge would side with her in a minute.
Are you finished? You missed your callingshould have tried out for a pantomime, she commented, dryly.
Whats going on here? a new voice interrupted.
Tom stopped mid-sentence. A man stood in the lobby entrance: dark suit, relaxed posture but unmistakable authority. The security staff, whod been trying to keep Tom calm, straightenedobviously someone important.
Mind your own business! Tom snapped. His face was still flushed, resentment heavy in his tone. This is between us.
The newcomer didnt rush. He strolled closer, keeping a little distance but watching them both. A twitch of a smile tugged at his lips, which seemed to agitate Tom further.
Personal business is all well and good if you keep it private, the man said smoothly, but the moment you bring it into publicwell, now its everyones concern.
Alison kept silent, grateful for the interruption. She hadnt expected David Foster, the managing director, to show up, but his arrival felt almost providentiala sharp shock to Toms usual confidence.
Tom stepped toward him, blustering, but David didnt so much as blink. He watched Tom with the cool assurance of someone well used to heated negotiations.
And who are you to interfere? Tom spat, voice desperately clinging to authority. You know nothing about this family!
David came closer, stood at Alisons sidehis hand resting lightly on her hip, making it absolutely clear to everyone what his intentions were.
Who am I? he said, voice steady and businesslike but with an icy resolve that made Tom shrink back. Im the person who makes Alison happy. You dont get to shout at her, and I wont stand for it. You think youll just get a slap on the wrist from the coppers? Youll find your life a great deal more complicated, if you dont back off. And if you try to use your daughter as a pawnI trust you understand me.
Toms bravado deflated. Gone was the anger, his pallor returning. He flicked his gaze between David and Alison, realising things had rapidly slipped from his grasp. Awkward, hesitant, he seemed at a loss for wordsperhaps from the force of Davids calm threat, perhaps because he sensed his usual tactics were futile.
In the end, he snarled something unintelligible, turned on his heel and marched towards the door. As he left, he threw over his shoulder:
Dont count on child support!
I never needed it, Alison shot back with a snort. Her tone was light, almost mocking, but laced with relief. At least Lucy wont have to endure awkward weekends with you anymore.
It was only then that Alison realised Davids hand was still resting reassuringly on her waist. The simple gesture, both natural and protective, made her a little self-conscious. She glanced down, cheeks flushed, gently stepping aside.
With a slightly embarrassed but grateful smile, she turned to her unexpected champion.
Thank you, David. Youve no idea how much that means to me.
He smiled, his eyes warm with understanding.
Why dont we go for lunch and talk this through? he suggested, extending his hand.
For a fleeting moment, Alison hesitated. Was it a bit soon? Did this look impulsive? But she brushed aside the doubts immediately: Davids manner was considerate and respectful, and she really wanted a quiet moment with him, away from the chaos.
Besides, she found herself curiouswhy had he stepped in, what was behind that calm steadiness?
Id like that, she replied, putting her hand in his.
His touch was firm but gentle, and Alison felt the leftover tension begin to ease, replaced by a kind of pleasant anticipation.
Later, at a table by the window in a small restaurant near her office, the conversation flowed easily. Warm lighting, the hum of background music, and the scent of freshly baked bread made for a cosy setting.
Over coffee, she learned David had long admired her, but had kept his distance. He spoke without grand gesturesjust quietly, honestly.
Ive wanted to say something for a while, he confessed, stirring his drink. You always seemed so focused, so composed I could see you were having a rough time after the divorce, and I didnt want you to think I was taking advantage.
Alison studied him, listening. There was no arrogance or self-importancejust sincerity and respect.
And when I saw that man shouting at you today David grimaced. I couldnt just stand by.
She found herself smiling, surprised. Shed noticed his occasional glances before, but never guessed how he felt. If she was honest, shed always found him attractive, but never would have made the first move.
***
Three months after that confrontation, Alison and David were married. The wedding was lovely, with David making sure every detail matched Alisons wishes.
Lucy was genuinely thrilled for her mother. On the wedding day, she helped Alison get ready, making sure her hair and dress were just right. When the vows were said and the rings exchanged, Lucy broke into a big smile and hugged them both.
Im so happy for you! she whispered, eyes bright with joy.
She did, however, make her own boundaries clear early on.
I like you, David, she told him one evening when the three of them were home together, and Im glad Mums not on her own. But, well, my dad… hell always be my dad, for better or worse.
David nodded, perfectly at ease.
I wouldnt expect anything else, Lucy. What matters is we look after each other.
Tom received a formal invitationmore out of courtesy than genuine expectation. Alison hesitated about sending it, but decided she wanted him to know her life was carrying on. She dropped the invitation in the post, nothing elsejust the card and details.
Of course, Tom didnt attend. In fact, the idea of it so offended him that he embarked on a flurry of phone calls, reaching out to mutual friends.
She actually invited me to her wedding! hed blurt, not waiting for hellos. After everything!
His friends were polite, but puzzled by his outrage.
So what? Youre not together anymore, one said.
Tom refused to let up, How could she? After all I did for her!
He kept at it for days. Every conversation began with the same indignant opening, as if he hoped someone would share his outrage. But the reaction was always measured: some people murmured sympathy, most just shrugged and said, Well, we all move on.
Frustrated, Tom tried another tack. Shes rushing into thisafter only six months! Its not real, just her way of forgetting me. Or, She never gave me a chance to fix things. If only shed talked
Sometimes his resentment took a petty turn: I did so much for her, and she never even said thank you. She just walked out.
But by now, people were done with his complaints. Some questioned what, exactly, she owed him: You were married; you did what any husband would do.
Eventually, Tom saw it wasnt workingno one called Alison reckless, no one backed him up. In fact, most felt she had every right to happiness.
He grew tired of repeating himself. Sitting alone in his flat, surrounded by mementoes of a life now pasta forgotten hairclip on the shelf, an old photo album, a couple of Lucys dresses that no longer fithe started to realise that life was, inevitably, moving on. Only he hadnt yet found his place in it.
Meanwhile, Alison, David, and Lucy eased into a new rhythmpeaceful, content, full of small pleasures: family dinners, Sunday strolls, heartfelt debates over which film to watch. And through it all, the three of them learnt that lifes next chapter is best written not by dwelling on the old, but by embracing the newwith openness, kindness, and hope.
Because sometimes, the family you build is the one that makes you happiest, reminding us that happiness isnt about who we leave behind, but the love and understanding were willing to nurture, together.
