Dont Believe Gossip
Lucy was finishing off her coffee during her break between appointmentsa warm, slightly bitter sip meant to perk her up before another couple of hours of stressful work. She put the cup down and reached for a napkin just as a chair was yanked back with a clatter beside her. Alison, the cleaner from the ward next door, made herself comfortable without so much as a by your leave, folded her arms, and smirked at Lucy.
Well, go on, tell me thenspill! Alison said, cocking her head expectantly.
Lucy nearly choked on her last mouthful, startled. Hot coffee burned her throat and she quickly covered her mouth, coughing. Looking at her colleague, Lucy raised her eyebrows in silent question, trying to figure out what this was all about.
Oh, dont play innocent! Alison waved her hand airily, brushing aside Lucys confusion. I saw your fella last night. Went into that jewellers, he did! I had to see what was up, so I followedcouldnt get too close, but I definitely saw he got a little box. Go on, show us!
Lucy felt as if her stomach had dropped. She lowered her eyes to her mug, where a swirl of coffee still lingered, then glanced back at Alison. There was more than just nosiness in Alisons toneshe sounded positively envious, as if shed already imagined slipping on whatever ring she thought Mark had bought for Lucy.
Im sorry, but youre mistaken, Lucy smiled, though her voice was taut as a bowstring. Mark was at home last night. The whole time.
Six twenty, it was! Alison leaned forward, her eyes gleaming. Dont take me for a fool! That was definitely your husband. I saw him properly when he picked you up before. Recognised the walk and that jacket he always wears. So dont try and worm your way outgo on, lets have a look at that box!
Lucy swallowed hard. Heat crept up under her white coat, sticking her blouse to her skin. Alison watched her with an expectant glint, looking like she couldnt wait to rush off and tell everyone about the dazzling present Mark had supposedly bought his wife.
You really are mistaken, Lucy repeated, forcing her voice to sound unwavering. Sorry, breaks over, my little patients and their worried parents are waiting.
Lucy stood up quite abruptly, wanting to spend not one second longer with Alison. Shed specifically picked her breaktime for a bit of peacea chance to soak in a quiet lounge, listen to soft music and catch her breath before the next wave of patients. No such luck.
As if on cue, the wards chief gossip herself had shown up, ready to pounce on any scrap and blow it all out of proportion.
Oh, I see how it is, Alison said in a mocking drawl, leaning back and folding her arms again. Your lovely husbands got himself another woman, has he? Now theres some news! Our perfect Lucy Baker, and her husbands off!
Lucys insides twisted, but her face remained calm. She turned to Alison, irritation lighting her eyes.
Dont talk such rubbish! She snapped, keeping her tone as steady as she could. My husband loves me. We have a wonderful son
Whos not even yours, Alison interrupted coldly, staring Lucy down. Clever bloke, your Mark. Dumps the kid on you, spends his time off travelling on work trips. Bet hes got a fiancée in every city.
Lucy clenched the edge of the table until her fingernails dug into the wood. Her mind was in a storm, but she held her composure with all her might. She wanted to scream at Alison to shut up, but instead she took a slow breath and said evenly:
You know nothing about my family. Or my husband. Please, dont spread silly stories.
Alison just smirked, shook her head, and pushed her chair back.
Fine, well see what youre saying in a month. Or a week. Men are just unreliable.
With deliberate steps, Alison strode off, her heels clacking on the tiles. Lucy sat perfectly still, staring ahead. Her hands trembled, so she hid them under the table, praying nobody would notice. Alisons words looped in Lucys head, snagging at her thoughts.
Lucy spun on her own heel, fury burning in her eyes. She caught up to Alison, standing close enough that Alison had to notice.
One more word, and Ill go straight to Matron. Youll be out of a job so fast you wont know what hit you. And dont expect anyone to step in for youyouve got on everyones nerves already!
Her voice was level, but with such firmness that Alison blinked and took a step back. She opened her mouth, but Lucy was already walking away, each step measured, her spine rigid.
Im only trying to help, you know! Alison called, loud enough for half the staffroom to hear. Get rid of him before its too late! He didnt just pop to the jeweller, I saw him at the flower shop too! And purring down the phone to someone as well! Lucy, honestly!
The last words were barely more than a muttered grumble, filled with frustration. Lucy didnt even look backher posture straight, her stride unbroken, as if Alisons gossip hadnt scratched her at all. Inside, though, she was churning.
Left alone, Alison stood fidgeting for a moment, tugging at her uniform. She clenched and unclenched her fists, annoyance radiating from her. Her mind ticked anxiously: Stubborn old bat! Cant even have a proper word with her
Muttering to herself, Alison shuffled back to her post. Her legs felt like lead, and her chest was tight and sour. She was itching to rush off and share her juicy news with the girlstheyd lap it up, jaws on the floor! But for once, common sense prevailed. Lucy wouldnt hesitate to make it official if pushed. Complained to managementcase closed. Then where would Alison find another job?
And where would I get a spot like this, anyway? Alison thought, absently straightening a stack of files. And with such decent pay Private clinic, not NHS. Theres a waiting list a mile long
She slumped in her chair and checked the clock. Still ages until the end of her shift, and her mood was properly spoiled. Best to get back to work, before she got the sack all on her own anyway
*****
Lucy was torn inside. In public, she could say with confidence that all was well at homeher voice steady, her gaze calm, a gentle smile lingering on her lips. Now, though, alone with her thoughts, anxiety crept in. Alisons words stuck like thorns, jabbing with sharp pains on repeat.
Mark really had come home closer to eight last night. Shed found it oddhe usually returned about six, seven at the latest. Got snowed under at work, hed mumbled, barely meeting her eyes before disappearing to shower off the day. Lucy just nodded then, but inside shed felt a twinge. Perhaps there was a perfectly dull explanation? Perhaps the lateness and evasive answers were all for the reasons Alison kept hinting at?
Lucy unlocked her front door, stepped in, and called out:
Im home!
Silence answered her.
She paused. Normally, things played out quite differently. First to greet herusually with a barkwas Archie, her golden retriever, loyal only to Lucy. He merely tolerated the others, but looked upon her as if she hung the stars. Chasing close behind would be Jamieher son, her pride. Every evening hed meet her with a grin, seize her hand and drag her to show off some new clay sculpture, a drawing, or a carefully built construction.
But todaysilence. Only the ticking hall clock broke the calm.
Lucy took off her shoes, hung up her jacket, and wandered into the flat, peeking through rooms.
Where are you? she called, louder now, striving to sound calm.
No answer.
Her heart squeezed. Maybe theyd just nipped outside? But Archie never left without her, and Jamie knew not to, either. Lucy checked her phone, rang Mark. It rang and rang but nobody answered. She tried again. And again.
More silence.
Anxious dread fanned out in her chest. She checked the kitchenany sign theyd been there? On the table: a mug of half-drunk tea, Jamies open book beside it. A toy dump truck lay in the middle of the floor. It looked as if they’d just been there and, suddenly, vanished.
Lucy drew a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm.
Dont panic, she told herself. Theyll be back soon. Nothings wrong.
But her mind whispered otherwise: What if Alison was right?
Lucy went to the window and looked down at the street. The sunset coloured the road golden; children played outside, a dog walker ambled by. But no sign of Mark, no Jamie, no Archie.
Lucy collapsed into a chair, gripping the edge of the table. Endless questions circled her brainwhere were they, why didnt they answer her calls, and, of course, what if Alisons words werent just malicious gossip but glimpses of a truth Lucy refused to see?
Then she noticed a large envelope square in the middle of the coffee table. It looked oddnot bills, not the junk leaflets the postman usually pushed through the door. Something about it struck her as deliberate: heavy cream paper, big bold letters simply saying, Open Me.
Lucy froze at the sitting room door. The past few days had left her so battered by Alisons hints, her own gnawing thoughts, Marks silent evenings, that anything unexpected now felt like a warning. Slowly, she approached, delicately touching the envelope as though it might vanish.
Her hands shook. Lucy breathed deeply to steady herself, then finally picked it up. It was oddly light, but no less intimidating. She tore open the edge, drew out a folded sheet, and hesitated, eyes closed. Her mind raced through every catastrophic possibility: divorce Im leaving Words that would change everything.
She braced herself, unfolded the paper.
And stopped.
On the page was a single line. A familiar address. One she knew by heart, even after all these years. The little café on the corner of that old street, its stained glass windows and stripy outdoor umbrellas. The same place where, all those years ago, Mark had sat her down, fidgeted with a napkin, then knelt with trembling hands and asked, Will you marry me?
Lucy couldnt help but smile. Gradually, the tension inside her began to dissolve. Her fingers still shook, but now with odd, bubbling anticipation. She read the address again, searching for some secret meaning in those old, well-loved words.
Maybe its a good sign? she wondered, holding the note to her chest.
*****
Lucy climbed out of the taxi, drew a breath of crisp autumn air, and adjusted her coat. The street looked just as she remembered it, but tonight, it all felt differentmaybe because of the nervous flutter in her heart, maybe because she still had no idea why Mark wanted her here.
She pushed open the glass door, setting the entrance bell chiming and breaking the café’s peace. Inside, it was warm, rich with the smell of fresh coffee and buttery pastries. Lucy paused in the doorway, eyes sweeping the roomand her heart flipped at what she saw.
At their favourite table, next to the stained glass, were all those she loved most. Mark, dressed smart, smiling; Jamie, in his best blue jumper, excitement sparkling in his eyes; and by their feetArchie, who on seeing Lucy leapt up, tail wagging furiously.
They were all therebeautiful, happy, so full of joy. Behind them, taped to the wall, was a huge silver 5. Lucy frowned for a moment. Why five? she thought, but before she could dwell on it, Jamie had already dashed across the room.
Mum! Congratulations! he yelled, flinging his arms round her, and Lucy knelt just in time to catch him.
She hugged her son tight, burying her nose in his hair, breathing in the soft scent of childrens shampoo. In that instant, all the worries melted awaythere was only love, that pure, anchoring feeling she always had around Jamie.
Congratulations for what? Lucy asked, looking at her son with bemusement. We’ve only been married four years. And its September, not July
Jamie laughed, grabbing her hand and tugging her towards the table.
Thats not it! he said. Youll see, youll see!
Mark stood and met her with a broad grin, a gigantic bunch of white rosesher favouritetied with satin ribbon. Lucys breath caught when she looked at him; he seemed so happy, so young, like the boy shed met five years ago.
No, its not our wedding anniversary, Mark said, handing her the flowers. But this date means everything to me. Exactly five years ago, today, we first met. Ill never forget it; fate brought us together!
Lucy ruffled Jamies hair, her lips curving in playful warmth.
Fate? I wouldnt be so sure, she smiled. Somebody here refused to sit still for even five minutes. Right, Jamie? Who crashed into the door frame at three and ended up at hospital?
Jamie threw his shoulders back, his eyes shining with pride. He stood like a little soldier, and loudly, without the slightest shame, declared,
Me!
Then he burst into laughter, clear and bright, filling the café with cheer. Lucy joined in, her laughter chasing away any remaining unease. Mark looked at his little family, feeling a rush of tenderness in his chest.
It was meant to be, Mark insisted, shaking his head. Youd finished work and gone home, but youd left your mobile behind and had to come back
And ended up staying two hours longer because someone wouldnt let go of me, Lucy finished quietly, a fond smile tugging at her lips.
She looked at Jamie, still grinning, obviously delighted to feature in this beloved family story.
See? Destiny, really did bash our heads together, Mark said, his eyes sparkling with that familiar warmth. Besides, Ive got something for you. I hope youll like it.
He stepped forward and presented her with a small box, neatly topped with a bright red bow. Lucy hesitated, faint tremors in her hands as she lifted the lid.
Inside, nestled in velvet, lay a pair of earringsdelicate and shimmering, each stone flickering in the soft light. Lucy gasped quietly. The earrings were stunning, but what moved her most was how perfectly they matched the pendant she wore every day.
I cant even Oh, Mark, Lucy whispered, tears brightening her eyes. She glanced at Mark, at Jamie, who was watching eagerly. Thank youthank you both.
Her voice waverednot in despair, but in uncontainable happiness. She took out the earrings, held them to the light, then smiled through joyful tears at her husband.
Theyre beautiful, she said simply, so sincerely that Marks heart squeezed with love. How did you know?
I just wanted you to have something to remember today by, he answered, gently taking her hand. How we met. How you changed ushow were together.
Jamie, seeing his mum was all wobbly, hugged her tight at the knees.
Me too, Mum! Love you! He declared with such serious earnestness that Lucy kissed him on the crown, laughing.
Archie, picking up on the mood, pressed his nose into Lucys leg, expecting affection, and she rumpled his fur, making his tail churn like a windmill.
The whole café seemed to wrap them in warmth. Other customers watched and smiled at this picture of real happiness, and Lucy, fingers curled round her gift, felt itshe had everything she ever needed, right there with her.
*****
The following day, Alison, arms tightly folded, watched Lucy through the window in the corridor. Lucy passed by, composed, calm, looking unusually sharp. Her hairnormally a soft wavewas swept into a sleek bun, highlighting her jaw and cheekbones. Glittering in her ears were the new earrings, sparkling as golden light danced in the hallway.
Alison clenched her fists. Oh, of course, she thought sourly. Glowing like a penny. Yesterday she looked like her whole world was falling apart. She remembered how shed tried to sow doubts in Lucys mindimplying Mark was cheatingonly to see today a woman who was not only calm, but radiant.
Its easy to be jealous, easy to see what you want and tell yourself ugly stories. But sometimes, happiness isnt as fragile as you think, and love can be stronger than the poison of gossip. And that is why its always better to ask, to trust, and to never let lies decide your truth.
