Oh goodness, let me tell you what just happened! Im seriously about to ring my ex-husband.
In any other situation, believe me, Emma would never have dared to call her ex, David.
They hadnt seen each other for nearly two years and, honestly, he wasnt likely to be thrilled to hear her voice. But right now, she didnt have much of a choice.
David was the only one who could really help her. Hed always been the one to sort out all kinds of trouble. At least Emma really hoped he would this time. You know, a bit of goodwill left from the old days.
She glanced again at that smirking old biddy (yeah, I mean biddy, not grandmother or old dear or, God forbid, pensioner), then dug her mobile out of her handbag, opened her contacts, and started scrolling for David’s number.
Shed meant to delete his number ages agotwo years back, actuallybut every time shed been about to tap Delete, something had held her back.
Maybe some tiny part of her hoped shed need it someday.
Well, heres someday.
Emma shot another look at the biddy, now openly mocking her, then hit Call.
*****
So youre not coming with me? Emma stared at David as if hed just stabbed her in the back. Though, truth be told, she was the one debating whether to stick with her husband or leave him behind.
We just bought that plot of land and started making plans to build a house here, Em. Why on earth do we need to up sticks now?
To start over, Emma snapped. Ive told you all this already, havent I? Why do I have to keep explaining?
David gave her a long, exasperated look and shook his head. You really think life abroad is so different? At the end of the day, its just the same really.
Ive always dreamed of living abroad, she replied, Ever since Dad first took me on a work trip to Germany. I kicked off a right fuss at the airport when we had to fly backI just didnt want to leave. That’s how much I loved it there.
I get it
So now that I’m finally being offered a chance to move there for good, youre just going to throw a spanner in the works?
Its not about ruining things, I just dont want to move, that’s all. I love it here. Its home. Plus, my business is here. Maybe its not making much now but Im sure itll take off.
Youve got your little business, but my dream job is abroad, David! Emma flung her arm toward the window, toward the west. Its a proper jobpays triple what I earn here. And so many more opportunities! Do you honestly not see that?
They argued like this for ages. Neither of them budged. Divorce didnt seem on the cards, but Emma dragged David down to the registry office anyway and had them file for divorce. Her mum was stunned (her dad had passed away by then), Davids parents were shocked too. All their friends couldnt believe it. Everyone thought they were solid, a love-to-the-end sort of couple.
Em, are you sure about this? her friend Sophie asked. Where will you find another bloke like David? He adores you; hed walk through fire for you.
All talk, that, Emma scoffed. Walk through fire, grab the stars for mewhat rubbish. If he truly loved me, hed come with me. He wouldnt leave me to go alone at a time like this.
I mean, moving abroad is a huge deal At least Davids got something herehis business, his parents.
Well, he can carry on living with his parents. Ive got bigger plans.
No, she just couldnt live with someone who didnt share her ambitions. Whatever love shed had for David got shoved into the deepest corner of her heart. Out of sight, out of mind.
A month later, divorce certificate in hand, Emma flew off to another country. Shed been promised not just a job with fantastic pay but help with citizenship too. It was everything she wanted, and she was prepared to fight for it.
But you know the sayingThe grass is always greener where you arent. About a year and a half later, Emma was back. She never quite fit in abroad. The people were even harsher than “ours.”
Some catty colleague, green with envy, set her up and cost Emma her big jobthe one shed left everything for: husband, friends, her old career. Even her mum. She tried to explain she had nothing to do with the failed contract, but no one believed her. She was a foreigneralways on the outside.
It nearly broke her, but Emma didnt give in. She handed out leaflets for twelve hours a day in the freezing January cold, desperate to get her citizenship and maybe land a proper job. But nothing worked out, and by then shed understood what a colossal mistake shed madeand felt just awful about what shed done to David.
Poor David, none of this was his fault. Emma just up and left him. What an idiot I am, she thought.
She didnt care about the fancy life anymoreno new clothes, no fun, no posh food She just wanted to go home. After all shed been through, she needed to reset. So she stayed with her mum for a bit, then escaped to her nans place in a tiny village for a while to clear her head.
A breather, and
…she started life afresh.
Back in the city, Emma didnt want to go crawling back to her old job. She wasnt keen to work in her old field anyway. Scanning the job ads, she decided to give being an estate agent a go.
She landed the interview, impressed her boss during training, and soon had a proper place at the agency.
Life got busy again.
Sure, she thought about David now and then. But she was scared to see him. After everything, he wouldnt forgive her.
She never reconnected with old friends either. Emma, honestly, had lost everything thanks to her own foolishness. So she had to rebuild from scratch.
*****
One day, she had to sell a country house with a bit of land out in a village about twenty-five miles from the city.
Couldnt find buyers for ages.
Then this older coupleJohn and Marygot interested. They wanted somewhere peaceful, close to nature. Who can blame them? Town life wears you out after a while.
Since they were driving, Emma went along in their car so she wouldnt have to shell out for a taxi.
Once they arrived, John and Mary left their car near the local shop to walk about a bit, soak up the atmosphere, and check out the scenery.
Emma could tell they were careful: not rushing, really making sure the location felt right. Fair enoughhouse prices these days are sky high, no one wants to waste money.
As they walked down the lane towards the house, they got a right shocka massive dog from the next property poked his head through the gate, eyeing the strangers. Then he sniffed Emma, licked his lips for some reason and wagged his tail. Not so much as a single woof.
John and Mary relaxed a bit, but Emma couldnt help smiling and stroked the dogs head through the fence. Just letting her clients knoweven the dogs are friendly in this neighbourhood. Humans aren’t half bad, either!
For an hour, John and Mary inspected the place, asked questions, chatted things over. Emma answered everything, pointing out the good bits and, to be fair, the less good bits. The house wasnt exactly new, there were, you know, quirks.
So, any thoughts? she asked once theyd looked around thoroughly. Do you like it?
Its nice, they said. Let us think it over a bit and well let you know.
No worries, Emma smiled. Youve got my number. Ring me whenever.
Deep down, though, she felt disappointed. When clients love a house, you can see it in their eyes. Not this time. She doubted theyd call backoh well. Someone else will buy it.
On the way back to the main road, Emma noticed the old biddy from next door coming out, dragging the big dog over to a lamppost and tying him up with a bit of rope. The dog didnt bark or whine, but his eyes looked so sad and clever at the same time. He seemed to know something awful was about to happen.
Emma hurried after her clients, but when they got to the turn into the village centre she stopped short.
Im so sorry, she said to Mary, grabbing her arm. Could you wait a sec? Ive just got to speak to that lady over there. She nodded towards the biddy tying the dog up.
Of course, Mary said. Well wait for you.
Emma jogged overby now, the biddy was muttering at the dog, Useless mutt. Cant even scare a soul. Whats the point?
Excuse me, Emma said. Why are you tying him here?
Whats it to you? Maybe you want him? Take him, then. The biddy snorted. No one else wants him. He never barks at strangers, just wags his blooming tail. Absolutely pointless.
Emma opened her mouth to reply, but the biddy interrupted. Hang onisnt it you who just stroked my Jack? Yes, I remember now. See for yourselfa useless dogs not a dog at all. No point feeding him or keeping him on the property.
So what, youre just going to leave him tied up here? said Emma, horrified. What if it rains?
Emmas blood boiledshe wanted to yell.
Back when Emma stayed with her nan, shed met the neighbours dog, Bustera proper mongrel, but sharp as a tack. Hed sensed she was down and stuck by her every step, always up for a cuddle or a walk, giving her all the comfort a dog could. Shed fallen in love with Busterand dogs in general.
So she couldnt just walk away from that lamppost. Her gut said something was wrongand she was right.
Are you really planning to just leave him here? Emma repeated.
Why wont you let it go? Youre not even from around here, are you? The biddy sniffed. Well, off you go back to town and stop telling me what to do. Jack will sit here until its his turn. Then the vet will come over and give him a little jab and thatll be that.
Awhat do you mean, a jab? Emma stuttered.
Put him to sleep. The vet, Mr. Clark, from the next village, will do it for a bottle of something. Euthanasia costs money, but Im not paying, so hell do me a favour.
And youre allowed to put down a healthy dog? Emma raised her eyebrows. Surely thats not allowed?
The biddy cackled. Told him Jack bit me and hes fine with it. Just waiting for our turn.
Emma honestly wanted to give this woman a piece of her mind but held backfor the dogs sake. She simply could not let him die there.
Excuse me, Emma, are you coming or not? Mary called over. We really ought to get back to town.
What now? Even if Emma untied the dog, the biddy would just tie him back up as soon as she left. And Emma didnt even have a car to get him out of therecant take a random dog on public transport, and her mums allergic, so taking him home was out of the question. Her nan lived too far away, and her work would never give her time off.
Emma! John called, impatience clear in his voice. Are you coming or what?
No Sorry, you two go ahead, Emma said, cheeks bright red. I just got caught up with something. Ill sort my own way back. And if you decide on the house, let me know.
There was no way she could leave that poor dog. No time to explain.
John and Mary exchanged glances, shrugged, and set off for their car, leaving Emma standing beside Jack, who looked up at her hopefully.
So whats so blooming important then? cackled the dogs owner.
I want you to untie Jack. Youre being cruel and callous!
Oh, are you now? the biddy mocked. And what if I dont? Going to try your luck, miss precious manicure? Hes my dog and its my choice. Touch him and Ill fetch my sonhes inside, sleeping off a bender. If he gets out here, youll leg it quick, I promise!
Well, Ill I’ll call my husband! Emma blurted out.
Oh, youre married? Poor fellow. Though maybe hes as stubborn as you. Ring him, love. My Alfie can handle him if he needs to. My dog, my callthats how it is.
Normally, Emma would never have phoned her ex. Theyd not spoken for years, doubt hed even want to hear from her.
But right now, she had no choice. David was the only one who could possibly save her.
She shot the biddy a glare, then took a deep breath and pressed Call.
Please answer please answer Emma kept muttering like a prayer.
Hello? Whos this?
Hi, David, its Emma. Do you remember me?
Thats a surprise! Of course I remember. Didnt think youd be the one calling me first. Whats up?
Emma was speechless for a moment, just listening to his gentle, familiar voice.
Emma? Are you alright?
Yeah, I hear you. Sorry, how did you know something was wrong?
I can hear ityou always get shaky when youre nervous.
Emma explained, filling him in: the dog, the mean old lady, how she doubted Jack would be handed over peacefully. Theyd probably have to take him by force.
Okay, stay thereIll come. Text me your location so I can find you.
David turned up in twenty minutes flat. Mustve broken every speed limit in the county, bless him. The biddy had already disappeared inside to rouse her son to have a word with the strangers.
Emma and David barely had time to catch up. There was no time.
As soon as David got out the car, a racket started up from the house across the lanesmashing dishes, shouting, proper old barney.
David hurriedly untied Jack while the biddys son and she began their own shouting match indoors. Jack wagged his tail at his rescuer.
Hop in! David called to Emma. Let them sort themselves out.
They all bundled into Davids carEmma, David, and Jack. The biddy came running out, not even noticing them leave. Her scrawny son hovered behindhardly imposing. David couldve dealt with him if needed, but why bother when a simple exit would do? The son lost interest, shuffled back inside, and David stepped on the accelerator.
*****
So you managed to build the house after all? Emma asked, amazed, when they got back to Davids.
Yeah, David grinned. It was my dream as well, you know.
While they talked, Jack raced happily around the garden, sniffing and exploring, tail in full swing. Definitely a gentle soul. Maybe not much good as a guard dog, but loads of heart.
How long have you been back in England? David asked. I heard rumours, thought you might call.
Why? Emma said, puzzled.
Because, well were not strangers, are we?
No, Emma replied quietly. Though dont tell me you havent remarried since I left.
I havent. Ive only ever loved you, Emma. By the wayabout the dog
David changed tack so fast Emma just stared.
Its fine, David. I know you probably werent expecting to see me or be dumped with a dog. Its just temporary, until I find somewhere for him
No need, he interrupted, smiling. Actually, lets let him stay. I could use a mate around heregets awfully lonely in the evenings. And he already seems at home. Just needs a proper mealhis last owner didnt seem to feed him much.
And just like that, thanks to Emmas kindness and attention, Jack had a new home and a new best mate.
David clearly took to him straight away. And Emma was alright herself, in Jacks opinion.
Funny, Jack thought, why arent they together? Anyone can see how they feel about each other.
David meanwhile was simply relieved Emma was back. They caught up often after thatcalls, coffee, Emma popping over with treats for Jack (and maybe a bit for David, too).
Try as she might, Emma couldnt bury her feelings for David. If anything, after the two years apart, she felt them even more.
Six months later, David went down on one knee and proposedagain. He didnt expect her to say yes, but you know what?
She grinned at her awkward, blushing (almost-husband), held out her hand, and said yes.
Jack wagged his tail so hard it nearly flew off. About time, too. He could tell they belonged together.
Now all thats left is a couple of kids and a cat for good measure! And somehow, I reckon thatll all come together just fine. Theyre going to be alrightreally alright.
