Julies Revenge
A dreary autumn drizzle misted the windows of the minibus as Julie gazed out, her thoughts elsewhere. The familiar countryside was slipping by, but for years now, home had meant her little studio flat in the heart of bustling London, high up among the city rooftops. The old family house was just her childhoodwhere shed grown up, finished school, then left for uni and slowly lost the attachment to the quiet fields and slow pace.
At twenty-seven, Julie was pleased with herself. Shed studied hard, become a doctor, and landed a good job at a swanky private clinic. She was always booking herself onto courses and seminars, climbing the ladder and keeping busy.
She wouldnt have come back at all, except shed started noticing odd things when she called her parents. Her mum, Wendy, wouldnt say where her dad was; when she rang Dad, her mum was always out, somehow. Something was off.
Mum, whats going on with you two? shed asked.
But Wendy would just brush it off. Nothing, love. Were fine, honestly.
After a short flight to Manchester, she was only a couple of hours from home. Julie laughed at the distancethese days it didnt even register.
The minibus pulled up at the station. Everything looked almost exactly as she remembered: the old corner shop was now a newsagent, and the trees at the station seemed taller. It wasnt raining here; the sun was even trying to break through.
A bored-looking local taxi driver shuffled over, pulling her suitcase on wheels over the pockmarked tarmac. Where to?
50 Church Lane, said Julie, giving her childhood address.
The house looked just as she remembered, bright blue shutters open wide. The cherry tree was still there in the front garden, and her fathers three silver birches stretched up, taller now, near the gateplanted the day she left for secondary school.
Julie! Wendy nearly tumbled out the door as the cab pulled up. Julie, sweetheart, at last! She was smiling, but in her eyes, tears began to well.
Mum, come on now, Julie said with a half-laugh, dont get teary.
Im just so happy to see you! Three years, thats how long its been.
Julie dumped her case by the door, shrugged off jacket and boots, and collapsed on the old sofa. Wendy sat beside her, arm around Julies shoulders. They sat like that, just breathing and smiling at each other for a minute or two.
But Julie wasnt one to ditherMum, wheres Dad? Not here?
Ill fix you something to eat, love, then well talk, alright?
Everything in the house was achingly familiar, though a little old-fashioned compared to her city flatfloral tablecloth, new china cups she didnt recognise, even the place smelled different.
The taste of her mums homemade fishcakes triggered memoriesalways light, always butter-fried to perfection. Home-grown salad, cottage cheese pancakes, plate after plate appeared.
Mum, is Dad away for work or what? You keep shuffling round the question.
Wendy sighed, going serious for the first time. Hes away at the moment, yes, but theres something we need to talk about. Me and your dadwell, its a bit hard to explain over the phone. I know youre always busy, always rushing, and I didnt want to upset you, butJulie, weve split up. Gone our separate ways.
What? Julie felt the cup go cold in her hands. She stood abruptly, checked their bedroom, even pulled open the wardrobe: Dads clothesall gone.
So where is he? Where has he gone?
Julie, please, just listen. These things happen, even after a long marriage. Your dad and Iwell, we just came to the end. Were divorcing.
Julie pouted, just as she had as a little girl. As an only child, shed been indulged, but it was more that shed learned earlyif she simply asked, her parents would buy it for her. I want a bike! shed once demanded, stomping a little foot in a polka-dot dress, and sure enough, she got one. Later, a stereo system at thirteen; her dad took a second job to pay for it, even though they were still finishing paying for the new fridge.
As a student, she never wanted for anything. From her dad, almost every penny went to her; they lived off her mums teaching salary. And to Julies credit, she was good with money. She knew how hard her parents worked.
Still, this was a shock. You split up and didnt tell me…?
It just happened, really. Honestly, we were barely holding on for years. But it doesnt change how much we both love you, love. Your father misses you, always asks about you.
Did he move back into his mums old place?
Wendy nodded. Course he did, where else would he go? Wouldnt want the old house left empty.
I need to talk to him, Julie said, already heading for the door.
Hes not back till tomorrow, off with Simmonds for work, just for two days.
So tell me straight, has he got someone else?
Wendy bit her lip. Yes. Hes with someone else. Its not unusualhes not even old yet.
Who? Julie fixed her mother with a piercing look.
You dont know her. Shes from the next village over.
And shes living in Nans old house now?
Wendy nodded.
Julies voice trembled: Youre telling this as if its nothing, as if someone pinched your chicken, not your husband!
Julie, dont. Please. Its alright. Wed been drifting for years. Theres no need to fight about it now.
Mum, youre too soft! If someone betrays you, you dont just let it go! Right, thats it. Im not seeing him. I dont talk to traitors.
Wendys eyes filled with tears, but she didnt press the argument. She hoped Julie would calm down after a nights sleep.
Julie actually did relax after a while, changed into a tracksuit, pulled her hood on and slipped out for a walk. The village air made her feel almost dizzy compared to the city haze. She remembered her old classmates, wondered why shed never kept in touch on Facebook. Truth was, shed simply changedher priorities completely different after years in London.
Mum, Im just off to the river for a bit, she called.
Itll rain again soon.
I wont be long.
The old cottage, her grandmothers home, sat just past the corner. Julie slipped through the gate, up the porch. Inside, by the kitchen stove, a woman around fortymaybe a little youngerwas stirring a pot.
So youre the new queen of my Nans house, are you? Julie asked, eyes cold.
The woman looked startled. You must be Julie. Your dads shown me your pictures. Come in, come in…
Dont flatter yourself. This was my grandparents home, so if anything, youre in my place.
The woman wilted a bit. Im sorry. I didnt want any fuss. Your dad was so looking forward to seeing you. Let me put the kettle on
No need. Whats your name, anyway?
Sarah, she replied, standing still, wary.
Well, Sarah, get your stuff and go, alright? Youve no business in this house.
Your father brought me here, love. I wont leave without him. I havent done anything to hurt you.
Youve broken up my family! If it werent for you, theyd still be together.
You dont know the whole story. I didnt come between anyone…
Voices from the hall: a twelve-year-old boy appeared, looking nervously between them.
Ben, go and play outside, please, Sarah said.
But I wanted to ride my bike.
Thats alright, off you go.
He passed Julie, eyeing her with curiosity.
Youre not living here, not properly, Julie threw over her shoulder as she left, angry and stormy inside.
She trudged home, teeth gritted, angry that her dad was playing happy families with a stranger in Nans house. She wanted to say everything to his face, tell him how wrong shed been about him. At the same time, she knew she couldnt really do anything to change it, which only made her more furious.
City life had made her tough, no questionso much to do, clients to juggle, always up early, always hustling. Coming home for a few days showed her just how much shed missed the warmth of her parents and the comfort of family.
As soon as she came in, Wendy noticed her stormy mood. Where have you been? You weren’t at the river all that long, surely?
I saw her, Julie said flatly. Shes nothing special. And shes got a son, now Dad gets to play step-dad to some other womans child.
The colour drained from Wendys face. Why did you go? I didnt ask you to.
Mum! Julie snapped, her brown eyes glinting. Doesnt this bother you? After all these yearshow can you just let it slide? Dont you even want to get him backteach him a lesson? Its not fair!
Why, Julie? I dont want to start a fight. Let it go. Your dad was always honesthe told me straight away. There was no point in dragging it out.
Youre just making excuses for him.
No, love. I chased him myself, you know. Not because I was pregnanthonestly, not. I just…I loved him. You were born into a house full of love. But after you moved away, all we had was you, nothing else holding us together. I didnt want you to be sad, thats all.
Mum, why didnt you ever talk to me? Im grown up now.
You barely visit, youre always busy. I just wanted you to be happy. Besides, people talk round here. If you go to therapy in London, its normal. Here, everyones their own therapist. Of course it hurtbut you cant turn the clock back.
And what about you? What do you want?
Wendy wiped her tears. I want to be loved, Julie. Ive got years ahead of meam I really supposed to just sit and be everyones agony aunt? Im not oldnot yet! All at once, Wendy wept fully, letting it all out, her hands over her face.
Julie shoved her tissue box into her mums hands and hugged her fiercely. Youre not old, youre not finished! Dont you forget who your daughter is!
Wendy managed a laugh through tears. Going to see Sarah was pointless, you know. Shes not the villain. Shes not even from here. Her ex-husband used to hurt her son. I cant hate her.
Mum, my hearts always going to break for you more than for her, no matter what story you tell me.
Julie, what do you want me to do, hate forever? Weve got to forgive, or well all be miserable.
I cant forgive Dadat least not yet. Not ready. Dont want to see him.
And what if it was me who found someone, then?
Well, you go ahead! You let Dad go so easily, after all.
Wendys voice trembled. Maybe I already have someone… Remember your classmate, Mary Carter?
Julies face brightened for the first time that night. Mary Carter! Of course! We used to plait her pigtails together when we were five… Is she alright?
Married. Got a little oneonly a year or two old. Her dad, Mr Carter, helps out when she needs it. You dont judge me, do you, love?
Julie sighed. No. But its hard, Mum. All my life it was you and Dad as my anchor. I always thought one day youd both come to mine in London, or Id bring my kids here. Now everythings different, and Im struggling. I work hard, I know about stress, but this is different. Ive got friends, theres a bloke Im seeingwe love each other. But watching you two break up makes me doubt everything.
Wendy squeezed her hand. Dont doubt yourself. It wont be like this for you.
Mary was away staying with an aunt, but Julie was glad to think of her. She stood to make her bed, firm. Mum, dont try to talk me roundI dont want to see Dad for now.
Her father, Derek, got stuck with work in Leeds and didnt come back for another three days. He tried calling Julie, tried Wendy too, but Julie let it ring every time, pride swallowing her. Even knowing it was pride, she couldnt help herself.
When Derek finally got back, he didnt look the man she rememberedhair thinning, more lines on his face, red-rimmed eyes.
Wont you even talk to me? Have a hug, love? he asked shyly.
What for? Youve got your new family now.
Its not a new family, Julie. Thats Sarahs lad, not mine. But youyoure my girl, always. Sorry we didnt tell you sooner.
Goodbye, Dad, she said, and retreated to her old room.
As her last day approached, Julie finally drifted to the riverbank, trailing her memories. Up ahead, she saw a group of boys on bikes. She recognised Sarahs son, Ben, among them, just as he crashed badly onto a stack of timber.
She ran over, years of medical training kicking in. The boy was frightened, barely holding back tears. Hed hit his right leg on a nail and twisted his left ankle. Julie wrapped her jacket up under his head as a pillow, stopping the bleeding and immobilising the leg.
Hang in there, Ben, its alright. She rang her dad, voice calm and brisk. Come quickly. Theres been a bit of an accident.
Five minutes later, Dereks battered old van screeched up. Sarah, hair flying, dashed over.
Ben, darling! Are you alright?
Lets get him in the car, quick, Julie ordered.
Sarahs face was twisted in panic. What have you done to him?
Derek scooped Ben up into the van; Julie hopped in beside them without thinking.
At the hospital, Julie called for the nurse; the doctor checked Bens leg as Julie explained everything calmly, giving instructions to check the wound and x-ray his ankle.
Sarah sat, trembling. Derek gave Julie a grateful nod. She left, suddenly not in the mood for the river anymore.
***
Next day, Julie and Wendy were at the bus station, drizzle speckling their bags. The weather matched Julies moodgrey, heavy, not at all how she imagined her departure.
A turquoise Vauxhall pulled up; out stepped a slightly chubby woman holding a chubby toddlerMary Carter. A bullish man with her gave Julie a wave. You remember me, Julie? Uncle Andrewused to walk you and Mary to school with your dad. Ill never forget you clinging to his hand, both of you in your little duffel coats.
We were such a pair! smiled Julie, handing over her mobile number to Mary.
The arrival of Dereks van cut their reminiscing short. He and Sarah helped Ben, still in bandages, towards them.
Ben piped up, Look, Julie, I can stand on my own now!
She grinned, amazed by the warm rush of affection. Of course you can! You didnt even cry, champ. And just call me Julie, no need for Miss.
Sarah turned to her, eyes full of remorse. Im sorry about yesterday. I was just worried. And youre the most important thing in Dereks life, just as Ben is in mine.
Julie looked at her father, at Sarah, at Mary and her little boy, at her mum, and realisedwhatever else, these were her people. Everyone here, in this small town, was joined in a way shed forgotten.
As her bus appeared, Wendy started to cryquiet, dignified tears. Derek squeezed Julies shoulders as she bent to hug him, then swept her up properly, burying his face in her hair.
Promise youll come again, darling? he pleaded, voice raw.
Yes, Dad, I will. All of you. Ill definitely come back, Julie said, hugging them each in turn.
She found her window seat, waving out at her familyher complicated, mismatched, absolutely unmistakable family. Through the glass, she could still hear them all shouting: Come back soon!
Of course I will, she whispered, pressing her hand to the cold glass. Wouldnt be right if I didnt.
The bus rumbled off; on the battered tarmac, under a burst of golden sunlight, her people waved her off, and she knew she was loved.
