Julias Revenge
The autumn drizzle tapped against the window of the minibus, never fully surrendering to a downpour. Julia stared through the wet, dappled glass, watching the rolling green of the English countryside blur past as she made her way back to the market town where shed grown up. Still, for years now, home meant London: her tiny studio flat perched high among the citys tower blocks, the place she called her own. Home-home, where her parents still lived, was almost a relic of childhooda world of hedgerows and quiet lanes that shed left behind for studies and the pulse of the city.
At twenty-seven, Julia took pride in what shed achieved: her degree in medicine, her coveted job at a sought-after Knightsbridge beauty salon, a never-ending carousel of courses, seminars, and professional milestones. She wouldnt have returned if it werent for those odd hints of trouble shed picked up in her parents voices, the gaps in their stories. Whenever she phoned her mum, dad was somewhere else; call her dad, and mum was always apparently out.
Mum, whats really going on with you two? shed ask.
Her mum, Helen, evaded: Everythings fine, darling. Were both well.
The journey from the airport in Birmingham to her town wasnt farit barely took two hours. Julia had grown used to travelling and found the trip short and uneventful.
The minibus rolled up outside the stone-clad bus station. Julia scanned the square, finding everything exactly as she remembered: the newsagent had changed its name, the giant chestnut tree was taller, but the rest stood steadfast. Despite the lingering grey, the sun winked through the clouds. Shed warned her mum she was coming, but hadnt been precise about the time.
A cabbie, clearly local, spotted her and shuffled over, dragging her case across the worn tarmac. Where to, love?
St Michaels Lane, number 52, Julia replied.
Her family home greeted herblue shutters flung wide, the same cherry tree shading the front garden, and three sturdy silver birches still reaching upwards, planted by her father the year shed finished her GCSEs.
Julia! Helen rushed to the door the moment the taxi pulled up. Julia, my darling, at last! She nearly wept as she drew Julia in, laughter and tears mingling.
Come on, Mum, no need to cry, youll set me off too.
Its just, Im so happy to have you here! Three years is too long.
She dropped her suitcase by the door, kicked off her ankle boots, and collapsed on the old settee, legs stretched out, relishing a moments rest. Helen settled beside her and the two sat in silence, hands entwined.
At last, Julia voiced the question Helen had been dreading. Mum, wheres Dad? Isnt he home?
Lets get you some lunch, then well have a chat.
Julia noticed subtle changes: a new tablecloth, a delicate floral tea set, touches both familiar and foreign compared to her minimalist London style. Still, her mums cooking was as she rememberedpillowy beef patties, beetroot salad from the garden, cheese scones and desserts lined the table.
Mum, is Dad away for work? Youre being so mysterious.
Helen hesitated. He is for a couple of days, yes. Theres something you need to know. Its been hard to say over the phoneand you never seem to have time, always dashing about. Im sorry we didnt tell you earlier. But your father and I, weve separated.
Separated? Julias tea cooled in her hands. She stood, peered into her parents bedroom, and flung open a wardrobe doorher fathers jackets and ties were gone.
So where is he now?
Helens shoulders sagged, her calm voice masking pain. He moved into your grandparents old housethe one on Oak View. It seemed silly for it to stand empty. We people drift apart, even after all these years.
Julias bottom lip jutted, as it hadnt since childhood. But you always seemed happy! What happened?
Growing up an only child, shed always had what she wantedsometimes just for the effort of asking, at other times for the drama of demanding. I want it! shed insist at four, stomping her foot for a pink bicycle. Dad always caved innew bikes, new Walkman, even the stereo shed begged for at thirteen, just after theyd spent their savings on a new fridge. Mum and Dad always made it work, often at their own expense. Student days went by warmly; shed never known true want.
Yet, despite the spoiling, Julia wasnt ungrateful. Shed excelled at school, entered medical college, and her parents beamed with pride.
Now, finding her world upended, she felt betrayed. You broke up and didnt tell me
It wasnt long ago, Helen fumbled for the right words. Our marriage, its been fragile for some time. But this changes nothing between you and your dadhe loves you as much as ever.
So, who is she? Hes seeing someone, isnt he?
Helen nodded quietly. A woman from the next villageEmma. She has a son. They live with him now.
Julia buried her face in her hands. You speak about this as if youve lost a chicken, not a husband!
Helen gave a sad smile. These things happen, love. We let the years drift by, and when you went to university, you were the only thing left tying us.
Julia bristled. Pathetic! Let me guess, shes at least ten years younger?
Ten, yesbut thats hardly
Doesnt matter. Hes still a traitor.
Helen reached across. None of this is your fault, Julia. I should have told you sooner, and your father wanted to say something, but I was waiting for the right moment.
Julia drew herself up. Well, Im not as soft as you, Mum. Hes dead to me. I dont speak to cheats.
Helen tried not to cry and left Julia to herself, hoping time would soften her anger.
Later, wrapped in her joggers and a waterproof, Julia headed out. The country air filled her lungs, intoxicating after city life. She walked along the familiar lanes, pausing at the gate of her grandparents cottage. The place looked tired, but sturdy. Julia entered without knocking.
A womanEmmastood in the hall making soup, perhaps in her late thirties, a nervous smile quick to her lips.
You must be Julia? Ive seen your photo. Please, come in.
Julias glare was icy. Im not interested in tea. This is my grandparents house. I came to see whats become of it.
Emma faltered. Vaughan brought me here, love. I cant go without him. I mean you no harm.
You broke my parents up. If it werent for you, theyd still be together.
Emma shook her head. Thats not true, Julia.
A boy, about twelve, peered out from his roomstartled to find a stranger. Ethan, go play outside, Emma said gently.
The boy slipped past Julia, his blue eyes wide and questioning.
Julia threw her a final glare. You wont be here for long, she promised, and stormed back out into the damp air.
As she hurried home, resentment throbbed within her. She longed to spit her heartache in her fathers face, to rage at him for abandoning them.
Life in London had toughened her, she realised. Shed been forced to become independent, efficient, and assertive. But here, surrounded by her childhood streetsthe fields, the quiether adult armour began to crack. She craved the old comfort: her parents, the shared meals, looking at old albums together. The divorce felt like a punch in the stomach.
Mum, I went for a walk to the river, she announced, rain-pinked and sullen, when she got home.
You were gone ages, Helen said worriedly.
Ive seen herand her son. Now Dad has to raise someone elses child, too.
Helen stiffened, white with shock. Why, Julia? Why did you have to go?
Because its wrong, Mum. Arent you angry? You spent decades together! Dont you want to get back at him?
Helen sagged, her voice breaking. No, darling. He was with me because of you. We both loved you. As for each other we just didnt have that spark. When you left, you were all we had in common.
Julia paused. You never said anything.
You had your lifeand I didnt want to spoil it with our troubles. When Vaughan told me about Emma, I knew. Hes always been honest. I couldn’t force him to stay, as much as it hurt.
You should have talked, or seen a counsellor.
Helen sighed. Thats London talk, love. Here, one sorts things out with neighbours or not at all. Letting go was awful, but its done.
So you just let him go?
Helens composure crumbled. Because I want to be loved, too! Im not old yet. She broke into tears, shoulders shaking.
Julia embraced her. Dont, Mum. Youre not oldyoure beautiful. I wont let you grow old before your time.
Helen wiped her eyes. You shouldnt have taken it out on Emma. Shes been through hellher ex was violent, beat her son.
Julias lips pressed together. I pity you, not her. But… maybe Ill try to forgive. For you.
I hope so, darling. Lifes too short for enemies among neighbours. A wistful pause. And you remember your classmate, Mary Partridge? Her mum died three years ago. Her dad, Andrew, helps around the house now. Hes been a real friend.
Mary Partridge! Julia smiled for the first time that evening, remembering the bright-eyed plaited girl shed grown up with.
Helen nodded. Marys married now, with a little one. Andrews around to helpits good company.
Julia looked away, reflecting. I always thought you and Dad were my worldmy family. I imagined coming home one day with my own kids and finding you both here. But now everythings changed, and I dont know how to accept it. Ive got a boyfriend, friends, my work but your breakup makes me doubt everything.
Helen took her hand. Dont. Love will cometrust me. I just wish Mary had been here, you two could still talk for hours.
Julia forced a smile. But I dont want to talk to Dad yet. Dont make me.
Vaughans trip was unexpectedly extended by three days. He rang regularly, but Julia refused to answer. In her heart, she knew it was pride but rage at Emmaat all of itkept her from relenting.
At last, her father returnedgreyer, older, with deep lines at his mouth, circles below his burnt-out eyes. He arrived in his battered Ford, hope flickering.
Wont you talk to me at all? he asked softly. Wont you even give your old dad a hug?
Julia stared back, cold as flint. Why? You have a new family now, a new child.
Thats Emmas boy. Youre my only daughter, Jules. Im sorry we kept it from you.
She simply walked away to her old room, leaving him at the threshold.
Helen and Vaughan exchanged quiet words in the kitchen. He left, head low.
It was her last day before heading south again. Julia took one last detour to the riverbank where as a child shed splashed puddles, built dams from pebbles. A swarm of kids raced past on bikesamong them, Emmas boy Ethan.
Suddenly, shouts rang outfearful, urgent. Julia spun aroundone lad had fallen, pinned by the jagged edge of a newly-delivered timber stack, his bike crumpled behind him. It was Ethan, clutching his leg, shaking with pain and confusion.
Julia ran over, whipping off her jacket and folding it as a pillow beneath his head. Above his knee, a nail glistened red; his other ankle swollen already.
Hold on, youll be okay, she soothed, pressing her scarf against the wound and dialling her father. Dadget your car, now! Theres been an accidentEthans hurt.
Within five minutes, Vaughan tore down the lane, Emma beside him, wild with fear.
Ethan! Whats happened, sweetheart? she wept.
Quickly, to the car! Julia ordered.
Emmas panic spiralled. What did you do to him?
Vaughan scooped the boy in his arms, Julia helping to get him inside. She barely noticed she was acting on instinct, as if medically trained.
At the cottage hospital, Julia shouted for a doctor, and the staff ushered Ethan onto a stretcher. Emma and Vaughan watched the theatre doors swing shut, hearts in their throats.
Theyll sort him right out, keep calm, Julia said quietly. Gradually, as the adrenaline left her, so did the residual anger.
The next day, Julia and Helen waited at the bus station for Julias return to London. Heavy clouds loomed, the weather as bleak as her farewell.
From the car park, an old Vauxhall pulled in. A man with a toddler in his arms waved; beside him, a young woman with a shy smile.
Helen brightened. Look, Juliaits Mary!
Julia recognised her old friend at once. Shame its only a brief visit, Mary said. I hoped wed have more time together!
A gentle voice called, Julia, remember me? The man beamed. AndrewMarys dad! I remember you both on your first day at school
Julia smiled warmly, letting her guard drop. She scribbled her London number and pressed it into Marys hand as they chatted.
A car door banged. Vaughan stepped out with Emma and Ethanfoot bandaged but uprightlimping toward them.
Told you I can nearly walk by myself, didnt I, Julia! Ethan chirped.
I knew youd be brave, Julia replied, heart suddenly tender. And dont call me Mrs, just Julia.
Emma turned, shame flickering. Im so sorry for yesterday, Julia. My son means everything to me, just as you do to your dad.
Julia glanced at the group clustered before her. Family, friends, old classmatesthey were all, in some way, part of each others lives, weaving a tapestry not easily undone.
The coach pulled up. Helen wiped her eyesquiet tears rolling down as if she alone bore all the heartbreak in the world.
Enough, now, Vaughan said gently. Shell visit again. Yeah, love? He caught Julias gazesoft brown eyes mirrored in his own. She felt something loosen, and before she knew it, hed scooped her up, kissing her cheeks and nose as if she were small again.
She hugged him fiercely, then Helen, even Mary, promising, Ill come backI will. Her suitcase was already stowed, and through the misted window she stared at the faces shed once thought shed left behind.
Even as the bus eased away, she heard them call: Come back soon!
I will. I promise, she whispered, waving frantically. It would be unforgivable not to.
As the coach rumbled down the battered lane, the sun finally fought its way free of the clouds, bathing Julias family, her friendsher worldin a sudden golden burst, as if the sky itself wished to comfort them all.
