Let me tell you what happened, mate, you wont believe the week Ive had.
So, it all started when I let my cousin James stay with us for a bit. Anna, my wife, gave me this cheeky smile and said, I hope the rest of your family dont think this is a free B&B now? I just laughed and told her, No way, love. James is a one-off. Shes always been greata bit dramatic at times, but really caring and generous.
Two years ago, totally out of the blue, Jamesmy third cousinturned up. Anna stepped up and was the perfect hostess. James had just landed a new job in London and hadnt sorted his own place yet, so we let him crash with us until he could get a flat. He was a solid guest, honestly, hardly any trouble, and moved out after a month or so.
I even got the feeling Anna was a tad sad when he left, but I didnt dwell on it. Work was manic after my company won a big contract, so I barely had time to do anything but sleep at home.
James loved his new job and city life, and we kept in touch. Then, he bought his own placeon a mortgage, of course, but still a big stepand invited us round for a housewarming in his swanky flat.
Meet Sophie! My fiancée! James beamed, introducing a small, sweet brunette smiling shyly. I nudged him, joking, So, mate, how much are you hiding from us? New job, new place, now a gorgeous fiancée?”
Anna barely managed a polite, Congratulations, not even looking at Sophie properly. I squeezed Annas hand and whispered to her, No ones ever as beautiful as you to me, love. James was in full party mode, declaring, Right, enough about beauty contests, lets celebrate! and we all settled in for drinks. It was a lovely evening, and I was genuinely chuffed for James.
Hes three years younger than me, but thirtys about time to settle down. Hes got everything he needs: good job, own place, nice partner.
On the drive home that night, a bit tipsy, I blurted out to Anna, Do you reckon we should start thinking seriously about a baby? She groaned, Oh, not this again, Rob! Not yetweve talked about it. Give it a couple more years.
Wed agreed when we got married we wouldnt rush into parenthood, but lately Id been feeling the time was right and kept dropping hints. Anna just wasnt ready.
Anyway, a month after Jamess housewarming, there was a knock at our door. I was home alone. It was Sophie.
Sophie? Everything alright? I was surprised.
No I mean, yes I just needed to talk to you. She glanced awkwardly around.
Come in, though Annas not hereshes up north visiting her family for a few days
I know. I need to talk, Rob, its important.
I nodded, and she suddenly blurted out, Rob, Im in love with you! She tried to kiss me, but I stopped her gently.
Sophie you need to calm down. What are you even saying?
The truth, Rob! I fell for you the first time I saw you. Yeah, I know Im with James, butI couldnt help it.
She went on, and then suddenly said, Dont you realise Anna and James are well, you know
I raised my eyebrows, half joking, Hang onI think Ive got some paracetamol somewhere, or maybe I should call an ambulance. Are you alright?
I am fine! Sophie snapped. Im not imagining it. If you paid attention at the party, youd have seen the kind of looks Anna was throwing at James, and the daggers she was giving me. Its obvious.
So you want me to believe all that? End my marriage over looks? Seriously, Sophie?”
Shes happier with him not with you.
Stop. Look, this isnt some soppy romance novel, where someone drops a bombshell and everyone just believes it. What are you trying to pull? I was pretty annoyed now.
What proof do you want? Sophie got upset. “Photos? Videos? Why dont you believe me?
I dont have to, I replied, possibly a bit harsh, but Id had enough. Thats it, Sophie, conversation over. Please go.
Luckily, she just glared at me sadly and left. I did feel a bit sorry for herunrequited love is a dreadful thingbut her accusations kept nagging at me.
I wasnt going to talk about this over the phone with Anna, but I figured I could have a word with James.
I didnt bother to ring ahead, just went straight to his place. Before Id even reached his front door, I saw him and Anna in the courtyard, deep in some heated row, not caring a jot about the passers-by.
I love you, you know that, James saidagain, from the sound of it.
We keep breaking up and getting back together! We cant seem to stay away from each other! And now youre engaged to Sophie, just to spite me?
Thats not fair. I want a proper familyno drama, no secrets, no madness, you know? Sophie will be a great wife, and youll have your own life
Dont you dare! Anna suddenly slapped him. Dont mention her! Im pregnant with your baby, by the way!
James rubbed his cheek, wincing, So Robs not involved?
Dont be stupid! I always took precautions with Rob. I wanted your baby, not his!
Id heard enough. I stepped out of the shadows and clapped a few times, just to let them know I was there. Well done, the happy couple, I said, voice cold.
I honestly didnt have the words, mate. I turned and strode off, leaving Anna and James standing there gobsmacked.
I was so stunned I barely noticed anything driving homeand crashed straight into a bin lorry. The fire brigade had to cut me out of my car. I woke up two days later in hospital.
Bad breakpelvis, thigh bone, elbow. The doctor was brisk: “It’s a long road, lots of rehab, but in six months you should be walking again.” At least Id managed not to crack my head open.
Anna was hovering behind him, looking terrified.
Itll be alright, she whispered, after the doctor left.
Im sure it will, I said quietly. But I dont want you to come here again.
She stayed away for a week, then popped up again, but I told heragainI couldnt bear to see her. She flared up, Well, maybe you could give me a divorce then?
Absolutely, I answered, sure as anything. Just tell me what you need from me.
She looked surprised, then almost pleased. That was the last I saw of her; she sent a message saying shed moved out and filed for divorce. James didnt even bother to get in touch.
Sophie, on the other hand, showed up every single day, trying to look after me. I kept sending her away, but an old nurse had a go at me: Oi, stop messing about. Were run off our feet, and that girl can help. At least let her feed you and bring you clean pyjamas!
In the end, I reluctantly let Sophie help outhad no choice, really. And to be honest, her company eased the ache, made me think less about Anna and Jamess betrayal.
When I got home, Sophie kept helpingbefore long, I couldnt imagine life without her. I recovered quicker than the doctor had predicted, mainly thanks to her.
One day, Anna phoned. Ive had a daughter, Rob. Her names Hayley. Shes two months old already, a proper little angel
Congratulations, I replied, voice flat. Was there something you wanted from me?
She paused.
Its not working with James Maybe we could try again, Rob? We had a good thing
I hung up, mate. Nah, theres no going back after that.
