You know, Emily and Charlotte have been best mates literally forever. I mean, their mums used to take them out to the park together, and they practically became sisters making sandcastles in the playground as toddlers. Theyd bicker over plastic spades, make up a minute later, and share everything from secrets about primary school crushes to the whole drama of spotty teenage years and unfair parents. No one really saw one without the other; they were like a set.
And when they were little, things were so equal between them same grazed knees, same hand-me-down jeans from the local market. But by sixteen, things started to shift a bit.
Emily just started to properly blossom, you know? She was one of those tall, naturally slim girls, really thick chestnut hair (which her mum let her dye chocolate brown) and skin that didnt so much as flinch at hormones or the cheapest makeup from Superdrug. Emilys parents doted on her didnt see the harm in treating her to a trendy dress or decent mascara here and there.
Charlotte, though, was always a bit in the background. Her mum was all no-nonsense and swore that with hair so thin it was basically straw, a short boyish crop was best. Her dad, a factory worker with old-school views, would roll his eyes at anything to do with makeup “Slaps for tarts, my daughterll be clever.” And as for seeing a skin specialist not a chance, he thought that was money down the drain. So, Charlotte had this limp, short hair, faded jumpers a size too big, and a face that showed every squeezed spot.
Now, Emily, whod devoured every glossy mag by the time she was seventeen, was convinced every girl had a hidden beauty. She dragged her blow-dryer over to Charlottes, spent half an hour turning her hair into a punky Mohawk, picked up some cheap but effective spot treatment from Boots, and poured through her own wardrobe for a black roll-neck and skinny jeans. Charlotte stared at the mirror, barely recognising herself. She realised she actually had cracking long legs and amazing grey eyes that her fringe and her own nerves had always hidden.
Blimey, youre a stunner! Emily laughed.
Charlotte blushed and turned away. Stunner sounded a bit patronising, even if she knew Emily meant well.
They both got into the same uni, studying Economics, and with parents finally giving them a bit of breathing space, Charlotte started to come into her own. She let her hair grow out, got the hang of eyeliner so her eyes seemed twice the size, bought herself some more feminine clothes. She even dyed her hair a lovely copper colour, and it made such a difference. She finally had a couple of admirers too, not a huge crowd like Emily, but she did.
Still, the less pretty friend label stuck to her. It wasnt that she was ever the main event; she was more like a nice extra for lads who knew theyd never stand a chance with Emily. Emily was like a butterfly always floating above the crowd, being courted left, right and centre with flowers, jokey banter and trips to the latest café. She just took it all in her stride, a bit amused, never swept off her feet.
Charlotte, every time she saw Emily wrinkle her nose and turn down some lad, had to swallow this lump of envy so big it nearly choked her. She just wanted, for once, to have that shine on her to be the centre of attention. The only comfort she had were the rare compliments and the fact that she still had Emily. She tried her best not to let that green-eyed monster have any space in her heart.
And then, one September in second year, two lads from the Journalism course started hanging round with their group Mark, tall and clever and forever in specs, and his mate, Jack, who was a bit of a joker. It was instant between Emily and Mark the sort of chemistry that makes everything around you melt away. They just clicked, full-on.
Jack went for Charlotte, all charm and jokes, but Charlottes heart was gone from the first moment she set eyes on Mark. It hurt seeing how he looked at Emily, filled with that soft, adoring gaze Charlotte wished was ever meant for her.
Every time they planned anything, Charlotte would spend ages getting ready. Shed do her makeup to cover every tiny flaw, squeeze herself into the best dress she owned, squeeze her feet into stilettos that left her limping by the end of the night.
You out to impress Jack? Emily would giggle, helping her with a fiddly zip. Hed be drooling even if you wore trackies.
Charlotte would grin half-heartedly. Inside, she thought, If only you could see why Im struggling into these bloody heels, you muppet.
Charlotte looked brilliant for her. But even with her best efforts, shed always only be passable pretty, while Emily just had that thing. Emily could throw on ripped jeans and a scruffy T-shirt, throw her hair up in a messy bun, and shed still have every bloke in the place glancing her way. Charlotte knew it, and it stung.
Mark would sometimes drop a casual compliment or chat about lectures, and Charlottes brain would overanalyse every word looking for hidden meaning. A throwaway like your new handbag from Mark would turn, in Charlottes imagination, into a confession of a secret, burning passion. But deep down she knew he was just being polite. He only saw Emily.
Things fizzled with Jack, too. He clocked on that her feelings were lukewarm and soon moved on to a cheerful fresher from down the hall.
Shame, hes a decent lad, Emily sighed, tucking into a shared pizza at their favourite café. You two were sweet together.
Oh please, Charlotte shrugged, biting a slice, about as deep as your Mark. Lads like that want a quick laugh and theyre off. Saw through him pretty quick.
Emily narrowed her eyes, pushing her pizza away. Dont talk about Mark like that. Its different with us.
Charlotte just snorted. Yeah, right. All blokes are the same.
But secretly, Charlotte was hoping against hope that Mark would mess up, hurt Emily and break her heart. Then, maybe, just maybe, that blinding light around her friend would fade, and Marks eyes would finally land on Charlotte.
As with all new couples, of course Emily and Mark had rows. Petty things, sometimes bigger stuff. Every time they argued, Charlotte hoped it would be the end. But Mark wasnt the type to give up. Whenever they did fall out, hed do something utterly thoughtful bring Emily her favourite chocolates, or plan a midnight trip just to look at the stars. He just put his whole heart in.
Hes faking it, you know? Charlotte would hiss when Emily showed her some soppy message from Mark. Hes just buttering you up, making you drop your guard so he can hurt you more later. I hate blokes like that.
Give over, Char, Emily would reply, frowning. You dont even know him properly. Hes only making an effort because he cares.
He cares about keeping you as his trophy! Charlotte would snap, her voice shaking not from anger, but from the sheer pain of watching all that romance directed at someone else. Bet hes got a girl in every town. Youre just the shiny prize for him.
Emily just stared, genuinely baffled. To her, it was all nonsense.
Charlotte pressed the point. Remember when he said he wanted that work placement in London? Hes ready to just up and leave you, no problem!
Its a huge opportunity! Emily always replied. We agreed Id join him as soon as I finish the course. It makes sense!
Charlotte would just shrug, planting a seed of doubt. Sometimes, it worked; Emily would get upset and theyd row again, but Mark always seemed to know exactly how to win her round. If anything, it made their relationship stronger each time.
And then, Mark actually did move to London he got offered a really good placement at a large media company, with clear prospects to stay on. He wanted to build a future for the two of them, and in their small city, opportunities like that just didnt come up.
Ill miss you like mad, Emily sobbed the night before he left, gripping his jacket. Flights are expensive, trains take ages
Ill come back every weekend I can, Mark promised, kissing her wet eyelids. And Ill save every penny for us. Just wait for me, love.
He left. Emily was plunged into waiting, while Charlotte, rather unexpectedly, found her life also got easier without Mark around all the time. The jealousy nagged less, and she even started seeing Dan, a quiet postgrad at uni.
But then came shock after shock. Emily, pale as chalk, told Charlotte she was pregnant only a few weeks gone.
You need to get rid of it, Charlotte said straightaway, not even hesitating. Marks a career guy. Hell hate you for tripping him up. A baby will ruin his plans.
But Emily called Mark anyway. He was thrown at first but rallied almost instantly. The decision was made: both families would be told, Emily would move to London after the baby was born, and for now theyd hunt for a flat and start saving.
What Charlotte felt wasnt anger, it was pure devastation. Mark hadnt walked away. Hed accepted it. He obviously really did love Emily, and now the baby bound them even closer together. Charlottes own dreams came crashing down. All she had left was raw, blinding fury.
She made it her mission to split them up. Whatever it took.
From then on, Emily and Marks relationship became long-distance and stressful. Mark threw himself into workendless overtime, rarely sleeping, calls at odd hours when Emily, sick with morning sickness, was already out for the count. She felt sad, but tried to be understanding.
Charlotte, meanwhile, kept gently fanning the flames:
Wheres your fellow gone this time? Working late again? Wonder if he remembers what youre going through. Some father, eh? Cant even pick up the phone.
Despite being pregnant, Emily looked beautiful some women just do. She was glowing, her eyes softer and deeper. Lads still noticed her; Dan, a friend of a friend, became the most persistent. Once he found out about the pregnancy and Mark, he took a step back but he was still always around, helpful, giving her lifts, sorting shopping, and keeping her spirits up.
See, now thats a proper man, Charlotte would purr, perching on Emilys bed. Hes here, he cares not off somewhere else. Mark couldnt manage that.
One day, Dan, a bit too eager in his good guy role, hugged Emily for a fraction too long. She pulled away, had a word with him, and Charlotte, lurking in the background with her phone handy, quietly took a snap at the perfect moment. Just right to make it look like Dan and Emily were an item.
Delete it, Emily demanded, flushing with anger.
Of course, babe, Charlotte agreed, but in her head she was filing it away as evidence.
She kept snapping these moments. She’d get Emily to come out to parks and cafés, always making sure Dan was around then would take photos of Emily smiling, sitting next to him, their shoulders barely touching. The perfect narrative: pregnant girl, abandoned by her fiancé, finds comfort in a caring mate.
And then came Charlottes big move. She announced she had to rush to London because her cousin had been in a crash and needed her help.
See my runaway while youre there? Emily asked, eyes hollow.
Absolutely, Charlotte promised. Ill give you the full story. If hes up to something, youll be first to know.
She packed carefully posh salon, smart but low-key dress that made her look delicate, makeup that made her eyes seem huge and sad. No Emily for competition, she hoped shed have all of Marks attention for once.
Mark, exhausted and homesick, was genuinely happy to see her. She was his only link to Emily. They had dinner, and over pudding Charlotte went all tragic and said, Mark, Im sorry, but you have to know Emilys not who you think. After you left, she just went wild. Other blokes paying her attentionand shes loving it. Dan especially. Theyre, well its serious. These arent just rumours, Mark, Ive seen it. I wouldnt tell you unless I had proof. Then she scrolled through all the photos on her phone.
She never mentioned a Dan, Mark muttered, visibly rattled.
Of course she didnt, sighed Charlotte, putting a hand gently on his arm. Its pretty serious between them now. This is breaking my heart to say. But I couldnt let you be played for a fool.
She was flawless in her role as the devastated friend. Cut off from Emily, worn out, Mark fell for it. He wanted to call Emily straight away, but Charlotte stopped him.
Dont. Not when youre this upset. Youll say things youll regret. Wait. See if she calls you. See how she acts.
That evening, Charlotte rang Emily.
I dont know how to say this,” she said, voice trembling. “Mark Hes with someone else, Em.
No! No way! Emily gasped.
He says hes at work all the time? No, sweetheart, its just that hes with her. I saw them. They looked very close.
Emily, in tears, wanted to ring Mark, but Charlotte counselled patience: Dont lower yourself, see if he reaches out first.
The next day, Emily cracked and called. Mark, still smarting and told not to fly off the handle, saw her name and just ignored it. For Emily, this was proof. Hed betrayed her.
Charlottes scheme was working a treat. A couple of days later, she went back to Mark, eyes puffy.
Shes had an abortion, she whispered, relishing her own cleverness. Moved in with Dan. Told me the baby was a mistake, youre the past, shes moving on.
She rang Dan next, faking tears and said, If Mark calls, please dont answer Emily cant take it. Dan, protective, swore hed keep Emily safe from her ex.
So when Mark finally called, it was Dan who answered, all anger, all hate: Dont ring here again, you scumbag. Shes had enough.
Charlotte was there to comfort Mark, as he sat, head in hands, shaking. She brought tea, said soothing things, was the very picture of care and understandingthe woman who was there, while Emily, supposedly, had been cruel and unfaithful.
Mark didnt love Charlotte. All he felt was bitterness, hurt, emptiness. But her constant, gentle attention was like balmand, eventually, they slept together. It was clumsy and sad, not love at all, but a way for Mark to numb the pain. After a week, with nowhere else to stay, Charlotte moved in for good.
She dropped out of uni, took a boring admin job nearby. On the outside, she was all sorrow and loyalty the girl who mended the broken man. She was already picturing her wedding dress.
Emily, meanwhile, was completely alone with her growing bump and her shattered heart. Dan was lovely, but there was never a hint of romancehe was just a friend who happened to be there. Emily fully believed Mark had run away from responsibility and lied about her affair to justify it. Worst of all, he hadnt shown the slightest interest in his own child.
In floods of tears, Emily called Charlotte, who, now living with Mark, sighed down the phone: He told me, Em, the babys your problem. He wants nothing to do with it. Sorry, but you need to face that.
Emily accepted it if your best friend hears it from the horses mouth, thats that.
Mark and Charlotte registered to get married at the registry office. Mark drifted through the motions, mechanical. He forbade Charlotte from telling friends; he couldnt deal with the questions or risk hearing Emilys name. But he did confide in Jack, the old uni mate whod courted Charlotte back in the day. Jack was stunned but wished Mark well and later, while tipsy, messaged Emily: Marks marrying Charlotte, you know?
Emily wept the whole day. If shed hoped, deep down, that it was all a nightmare, that hope died. Hed dumped her for her oldest friend, the one she called a sister.
Dan, who came round to comfort her, listened to her ramble and suddenly the penny dropped. The whole thing had unfolded way too smoothly, and now Charlotte was coming out on top. He tried to talk it through with Emily, but she wouldnt listen.
What does it matter? Theyre together now. He betrayed me. Charlotte too. Im done.
But Dan wasnt. He truly cared about Emily, not because he wanted to be with her, but because he wanted justice. He got Marks number from mutual friends and called and called, until one night, Mark answered.
Oi, mate, Dan spat, not holding back, you and your new bird all loved up, but Emilys sat here, carrying your baby and you dont even ask how she is? Does nothing matter but your job and your shiny new girlfriend?
Mark was about to hang up, but Dans next words made him freeze: Carrying your baby.
What baby? Mark asked, his voice low and dangerous. She had an
There was a pause.
An abortion? Are you barking mad? Dan said. Shes nearly six months along! She thinks youre a complete dirtbag who ran off. The truth is, youre just an idiot.
They talked for almost an hour, as it all slowly came clear. Mark was physically shaking by the end.
When Charlotte came home, Mark was waiting. He told her coldly: Get your stuff. Youre leaving. Now.
Charlotte was floored, her shopping bags hitting the floor.
Mark? Whats going on?
I spoke to Dan. I know everything. Every filthy little game you played. Get out.
She turned white, her lips trembling.
I can explain, Mark. I loved you! You must have felt it, too! We were good together!
He recoiled. Dont touch me. You disgust me. Youre grotesque, inside and out. You thought if you blotted out Emily, youd matter. But a shadow without light isnt a person, Charlotte. Its nothing.
She broke down, sobbing.
Where will I go? Its the middle of the night!
Anywhere. Sleep in the stairwell for all I care.
So Charlotte shuffled out, suitcase in hand, lost in the cold hallway of their building. Even then, she didnt feel remorse, just white-hot rageat Mark, at Emily, at everyone. She sat on the stairs and wept.
Meanwhile, Mark scrambled his life into a holdall, booked an early morning coach and dialled Emily. When she answered, all sleepy and flat-voiced, he could barely breathe.
Em, its me. Dont hang up, please.
What do you want? came her tired voice. Congratulations on the engagement?
She was never my fiancée. She lied about everything. Charlotte twisted it alltold me you and Dan the whole lot. I was an idiot to believe it.
For a long moment nothing. Then Emily finally spoke.
Why are you telling me now? For your own conscience? I dont feel better. The worst part is even if its all true, I just dont care anymore. Im so tired. Just leave me alone.
I cant. Im coming. I need to see you, tell you everything to your face.
Dont. I dont need your explanations. Just go.
She hung up.
Emily lay in the dark, hand over her bump, head spinning. If what Mark said was true, what on earth had Charlotte done? Emily remembered little moments, odd looks, Charlottes constant undermining, the cursed photo which Charlotte had refused to delete. Her heart hurt all over again, realising what had really been done to her.
The next morning, Dan was at her door, out of breath.
Hes on his way, Em. He knows everything. Charlotte orchestrated the lot. You have to talk to him.
Emily just slumped down, tears in her eyes.
Whats the point, Dan? Even if he knows, we cant go back. He believed Id have an abortion, he believed Id cheatwith you! That sticks.
Dan was quiet, realising just how hard it would be to come back from this.
I dont know if it can be fixed, he admitted. But at least let him say his piece. For your own sake. For the baby.
Emily nodded. Yes, for the baby. That was her anchor.
Mark turned up that afternoon, hair messy, bag over his shoulder. He rapped on the door, and when she finally let him in, they just stared at each other.
He wanted to touch her but didnt dare.
I didnt come for forgiveness, he said. I came to say Im an idiot. That I let her twist everything because I was scared you might have stopped loving me.
Emily looked away.
She lived with you? she whispered.
Yeah.
Were you together?
He nodded, not able to lie.
Yes. But it didnt mean a thing I was half alive. She was just there.
Enough, Emily said, arms crossed over her chest. I get it.
Suddenly, her anger cracked. You know the worst bit? I believed her toowhen she told me youd cheated. Because we trusted her like family. And she used that.
What do we do now, Mark? she asked, looking him in the eye.
We cant go back, he admitted, but if I can have another chance, Ill move here. Get any job. Ill take you to the midwife, help with everything even if you hate me. All I want is to be here, with you and the baby.
She didnt answer. But when she came out later, she handed him a pillow and blanket, saying, Sofas in the living room. Midwifes at ten tomorrow. Come if you want. For now, I want to be alone.
Mark nodded, clutching that pillow like it was gold.
Life took on a new rhythm. Mark quit his London job and found a temporary one at the local paper. Every day, he was there for Emily lifts to appointments, shopping, whatever she needed.
For a while, conversation was minimal: Pass the salt. Doctor said I need vitamins. Any talk about Charlotte was off limits.
But one night, as they watched TV, Emily suddenly asked, What exactly did she say to you? The details.
Mark explained: how Charlotte started weaving it carefully, dropping hints, showing photos, then dropping the bombshell about the abortion.
Emily nodded. She always was clever. I just never thought that cleverness could be twisted.
And what did you say to her when you found out? she asked.
I told her she was hideous, inside and out. Nothing without you.
Emily closed her eyes. Rough.
She deserved rough. You only ever tried to help her. All the wrong is hers alone. Not yours.
Life went on. Gradually, they started talking about the future a proper job for Mark, setting up the babys cot, even names. Careful conversations, but real ones.
One day Emily got a text from an unknown number: Im sorry. I ruined everything that mattered. Forgive me.
She showed Mark, who told her to delete and block.
She only wants validation. Shes not sorry just sorry she got caught. If shed won, shed be smug in a bridal gown. Dont even give her the satisfaction.
So Emily hit delete.
A few months later, they got married, quietly, just parents and two friends Dan stood beside Emily, his girlfriend held the flowers. It wasnt the dream wedding, but it was a commitment a promise to build something lasting.
At lunch after, Dan toasted, To truth being stronger than lies. To your family being the strongest there is.
Emily smiled, her first real smile in ages.
They moved soon after, to a nearby city where Mark got a proper job. Their new place was tiny, but it was theirs.
When Emily finally gave birth, it was a long slog, nearly a full day of contractions. Mark was beside her every moment, mopping her brow and whispering encouragement. When their daughter was born red-faced and wailing, with tufts of brown hair he sobbed uncontrollably.
They named her Harriet. Hattie, for short.
They never heard from Charlotte again. She deleted all her socials, and friends said shed moved somewhere down south, changed her surname. Sometimes, in quiet moments, Emily wondered what wouldve happened if Dan hadnt helped connect the dots. But she refused to dwell on it.
One afternoon, when Hattie was six months old and they were out feeding the ducks, Emily said, looking at her giggling daughter: You know, I think I get it now. She didnt take our love away. She just tested it beyond breaking point. What was left well, that had to be the real thing.
Mark wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Between them, little Hattie cheered from her buggy, hands out for the birds.
