Youre Not My Friend Anymore
Emily, whats going on? Is something wrong? Sarah asks, worried, as she notices her friend sitting at the kitchen table with a gloomy face, barely listening to a word Sarah says. Its strange.
Sarah had invited Emily over to celebrate finally finishing the renovation of her new flat, but Emily acts anything but pleased. She just mutters, Congratulations, and thats all.
Which is odd, since just last week, Emily herself insisted Sarah must invite her for a celebration when the renovation was finished.
And now shes sitting there, glum and grumpy as if shes come for a wake, not a party.
Why so quiet? Sarah tries again.
Its nothing, just dont want to burden you with my problems. Youre having such a happy moment renovation all done, and it looks lovely, by the way. I really like it.
Right! Sarah puts her tea mug down with a little more force than necessary. Out with it. Whats happened, Em?
Oh, its no big deal.
What do you mean, no big deal? Were friends, arent we? Weve known each other since Year One, lived in the same block for ages, just different stairwells. Its what mates do help each other.
That much was true. Theyd known each other since the age of six. After secondary, life took them separate ways until, by chance, theyd bumped into each other last month in the Sainsburys down the road.
Sarah! Is that really you? Fancy bumping into you here! Emily had shouted across the aisles.
Hi, Em. Sarah had grinned back. What brings you here? Living local or just passing through?
They chatted reminiscing about the old days, discussing their present lives, even daydreaming about their futures. Emily, typically, was still hoping for a white horse prince, while Sarah
Well, Sarahs wish was simply to finish the never-ending renovation shed started last year. All that was left was to wallpaper the lounge and get a stretch ceiling in.
Shed learned during that chat that Emily had moved to Bristol six months before, renting a little flat of her own. Understandable life in the city had a lot more opportunities. And though Emily didnt bother with uni (School was plenty for me, shed said), shed landed a job as a secretary in some firm.
Sarah had been genuinely glad to reconnect. Theyd met for coffee a few times and now here they were, in Sarahs place. She wanted to show off her newly finished flat and share her happiness.
But now Sarah couldnt help noticing just how down Emily seemed.
So she asked and offered to help if she could.
Oh, what can you do? Emily shrugs. Its not a simple one.
Dont give me that spit it out. I cant be happy if my friends not, and youve been silent the whole evening. Are you trying to upset me?
Emily gives a reluctant smile. Alright, dont get your knickers in a twist. The problems with my flat, really.
What kind of problem?
Well, imagine today my landlord announced hes doubling my rent. Just like that. Where am I meant to get that sort of money? And for what? The place is a dump: dodgy internet, ancient washing machine that nearly vibrates into the hallway, peeling wallpaper, and a leaky kitchen tap. Its dreadful not worth what hes asking.
Then why did you take that flat?
Because the price was reasonable below the Bristol average. Thats why.
Emily takes a sip of tea, nibbles an éclair, and continues, Now he wants a fortune for that hovel and not next month, but next week. He actually said: If you dont like it, no ones stopping you from leaving.
He said that?! Sarah is shocked.
Yep. And I dont even have that much cash. Even if I did, I wouldnt pay such a rip-off.
How much is he asking?
A lot. If I hand that over, Ill have nothing left for myself. You know, my nails, gym, swimming got to stay in shape if you want guys to notice you. My salarys rubbish I just cant accept his terms.
Didnt you sign a contract? If it doesnt say anything about raising the rent, you can push back.
Oh, Sarah What contract? He said from the start he didnt care about the flat, that I could live there as long as I liked as long as I paid on time. Thats the only agreement. And now this. Slippery bloke. Ive no idea what to do now.
Look for somewhere else. But this time, sign a contract so it cant happen again.
I know, I know. But where am I going to find another decent flat in a week? Ive checked Rightmove and everything looks like a palace with prices to match. Its like Ill be sleeping on a bench next
Sarah regards her friend, realising the problems real. She had spent years moving from one let to another in London, and knows how grim it can be.
Her parents eventually sold their family three-bed and gave her some money to help her buy. They didnt want her to take on a mortgage or live like a gypsy.
Well manage with a one-bed somewhere further out, love. So long as youre okay, thats all that matters, her parents told her.
So now Sarah has her own two-bed, finally renovated.
The only furniture is in the bedroom and kitchen for now the lounge will have to wait until she saves up again.
She hasnt asked her parents for help again; she prefers to manage on her own. Theyd already done so much she wouldnt dream of being a burden.
Listen, Em If things are really that bad, why dont you stay here for a bit? she offers. Just until you find somewhere better.
Seriously? Emily perks up. I thought of asking, since youve got two bedrooms, but figured you wouldnt want the hassle.
I dont mind. Only, theres no furniture in the lounge yet. If you dont mind a camp bed
Thatll do! Ill just grab my things and come back. Dont want to stay in that place another night.
To be honest, Sarah hadnt expected Emily to move in the very same evening shed figured itd be next week, at the latest. But, why not? Might even be better to sort things immediately.
*****
Sarah had just finished cleaning up when she heard a knock at the door she knew it was Emily already.
How did she pack up so fast? Sarah wondered, glancing at her watch. It had barely been ninety minutes since Emily left in a cab.
Was she already living out of suitcases?
Well, here we are, Sarah! Emily beams, dragging two suitcases inside.
We? As in you and your luggage? Sarah laughs, helping her drag one of them in.
No, we as in me and Bella!
Bella? Sarah thinks. Has she brought someone else with her?! That wasnt the deal. She steels herself.
This is Bella, Emily says, swinging a cat carrier around. Dont worry, shes no trouble. Doesnt scratch the walls, chew shoes or pee anywhere odd. Shell be fine.
Sarah blinks, looking between Emily and the cat carrier, not sure how to react.
Its just a cat. Mum asked me to look after her for a bit. Shes not well, so I took Bella off her hands.
Is Mrs. Robinson poorly? You never said.
Its just old age. You know how it is, all pensioners get health problems, sooner or later.
Shes not that old though not much older than my mum. She only just retired last year.
Well, thats what happened. Retired, then bang health problems.
Emily hovers uncertainly at the door.
Dont stress, its nothing serious. Doctors just told her to rest more, so I took the cat. Is it alright with you?
Fine, Sarah says, a bit forced. Lets meet Bella, then.
*****
The introduction doesnt go well. As soon as Sarah opens the carrier and tries to pick up Bella, the cat yowls, scratches her, then zooms around the flat like a monster and vanishes under the bed.
Sarah doesnt even try to fish her out she doesnt fancy more scratches.
She probably needs to settle in, Emily says apologetically. Did she get you bad?
Not really, Sarah says, rinsing her hand under the tap. Itll heal by the wedding.
Great. Ill unpack, then get to bed got an early start tomorrow.
And the cat?
What about her? Let her stay under your bed tonight. Shell be fine by morning, promise.
Of course, Emily doesnt mention that the real trouble with the flat wasnt the landlords price hike but that Bella, left alone during the day, had made an utter mess: torn wallpaper, ruined curtains, destroyed furniture. Emily had to fork out heavy compensation and was given a week to leave. With nowhere to go, Sarahs newly finished flat seemed a godsend.
Why not take advantage of the offer? Emily gladly accepted, and even luckier Sarah suggested it herself.
*****
A week not overnight, but still Bella settles in. She never becomes well-behaved, though. Nights are filled with her dashing in the hall or kitchen and yowling at the top of her voice.
When she tired of crying, shed scoop up her dry food with a paw, hurl it around, and play football on the laminate.
Somehow, Emily remains deaf to the racket (she must be used to it).
But Sarah cant get used to it.
Shes woken up night after night, staring at the ceiling, cursing as Bella tries to fish a stray biscuit out from behind the doormat.
It gets worse. Bella discovers new talents for mischief.
Shes obsessed with Sarah’s wardrobe in the bedroom. Every time Sarah opens the door, Bellas leaping onto the shelves, then burrowing into Sarahs freshly washed, pressed clothes, leaving everything covered in fur.
Sarah has always loved animals, especially cats. But Bella is driving her mad.
Any luck with that flat search? Sarah asks at dinner two months later, as gently as possible.
She doesn’t want to hurt Emilys feelings, but she needs some idea how much longer this will all go on. Its surely been long enough to find somewhere by now, yet Emily seems in no hurry.
Oh, you know how it is. Emily shrugs. Havent found anything. Getting sick of me already? Im barely here. I only come to sleep.
Thats just it Sarah thinks. Youre out all day, and I end up playing maid for Bella: feeding her, mopping up when she misses the tray because youve locked her out, dodging her surprise ambushes from behind corners…
No, Em, Im not tired of you. We agreed this was temporary just until you found somewhere new. Its been two months, maybe its time to try an agent?
Letting agents? Not a chance, Sarah, they charge a fortune I havent got that kind of cash, and I dont have a boyfriend with a Mercedes.
So whats the plan? I need my own space too, you know.
Ill keep looking. Im sure Ill get lucky soon.
Sooner, rather than later thinks Sarah, standing up and immediately bashes her knee on the table. Bella had sprawled right at her feet, yowling when Sarah accidentally stepped on her tail.
*****
A month passes. Sarah, by now, regrets ever offering Emily a place. She cant sleep, shes cleaning constantly, and Emilys rarely at home always at her nail appointment, gym, swimming, and lately, nights out at clubs with some new bloke.
Enough! thinks Sarah. Time for a proper talk. I didnt sign up for this!
But the night Sarah finally plans to confront her, Emily walks in and starts the discussion.
Listen, Sarah. Somethings come up. Ive met this guy at the pub, and hes asked me to move in with him.
Thats brilliant! Sarah is genuinely relieved. Need help packing?
Nah, Ill manage. Only thing is well, my boyfriend, his names Daniel he hates animals. Doesnt want Bella in the flat. And hes just had the place refurbished.
So you want to leave Bella here?
Would you mind? Just for a while, until I can sort something out? You two get on so well.
I do mind, Emily. Im exhausted. I need to be on my own for a bit. Take your cat with you, or at least bring her home to your mum. Hows she doing, by the way?
Oh, mums not great No improvement. Taking Bella there is a no-go.
Leaving Bella with me isnt an option either. So, please, pack your stuff and take your cat with you. Youve both stayed plenty long enough.
Emily leaves in a huff, muttering all the way down the stairs, See, Bella? Nobody wants you not mum, not my mate. Only me.
She still owes Sarah for the last lot of bills, but Sarah doesnt bother asking anymore.
Thank goodness Emilys finally gone, and Sarah can relax alone in her own, nearly-new flat though the wallpaper by the door is a bit shredded.
At least she only ruined one wall, Sarah thinks, unable to keep from smiling. Easy enough to redo The main thing is, Ive got my place to myself.
But the story doesnt end there. The very next day, when Sarah leaves to take out the rubbish, who should she see at the bins but Bella?
First, she spots the empty cat carrier with its little door left open, and then Bella herself wandering back and forth near the bins, meowing anxiously.
The moment she sees Sarah, Bellas meow turns to a jubilant squeal and she pelts over.
Oh, love, what are you doing here? Wheres Emily?
Sarah looks around, fearful somethings happened, but theres no sign of Emily. Only an old lady with a bowl of cat food.
Excuse me, love, the lady says, any chance youll take this poor cat home? That girl who left it yesterday, just dumped it here. Didnt even open the door. I shouted after her, but she just got in a taxi and left. I opened the carrier for her, and brought some food, but I cant take her in my husbands allergic. The little things not been fed, bless her.
Sarah bins her rubbish, waits while Bella eats, then pops her into the carrier and heads home. She doesnt say a word, though inside shes fuming at Emily her ex-friend, now.
How could she just dump the cat here? Why not take her to her mum?
Back home, Sarah lets Bella out, and the cat leaps about the place with pure joy, bouncing off the wall and thevery newwallpaper.
Sarah means to sigh heavily, but instead, she finds herself grinning. She cant blame Bella for her happiness.
Then she picks up the phone.
She tries calling Emily, ten times, but Emily never answers.
So she rings her mum and asks if shes got Mrs. Robinsons number.
Why do you need it? Mum asks, surprised. We hardly kept in touch after moving. Still, Ill send you the number by text.
Sarah calls Mrs. Robinson, asks how shes keeping and is floored to learn shes in perfect health.
Emily told me you were dreadfully ill, Sarah says, realising shes been lied to.
Oh, Emily… Mrs. Robinson sighs. Shes always telling tales. She took money off my card and bought some fancy-breed kitten. I told her not to, but she still did. Played with it a while, then ignored it even kicked it if it came near. I ended up looking after it cleaning, feeding, taking it to the vet, all that… Emily was hardly ever in always working or out. I got fed up. When she went to move city, I insisted she took that cat with her I just wanted some peace at my age. I told her, take her or Ill give the flat back to the council.
I see, Sarah says, thinking hard.
Whats up? Has something happened? Emily told me she found the cat a good home and shes about to get married herself.
Its fine, really. I just wanted to check in. Mum says hi.
*****
Within a month, Sarah invests in a new sofa for her lounge, and Bella claims it as hers from day one.
Like it? Sarah laughs.
Miaow, Bella responds, solemnly, and slaps the cushion for good measure.
Somehow, Sarah and Bella find common ground.
Sarah promises food and water, and in return, asks Bella to stop wrecking the place and no more puddles on the floor.
Bella is a cat with a mind of her own, vocal, stubborn, and fiercely determined, but the destructive behavior stops.
She even quits biting Sarahs ankles and leaves her physical antics behind.
In time, woman and cat settle into a perfect, if wry, harmony.
After work, Sarah cant help but smile as Bella greets her at the door, eyes shining: Have you brought food? Will you scratch my ear like yesterday? Are we watching our film tonight?
Yes, yes, and yes, Sarah says. Lets have dinner first, though.
As for Emily, neither Sarah nor Bella spare her another thought. Not worth remembering, as it turns out. Not until, six months later, Emily turns up on the doorstep.
She stands, avoiding Sarahs eyes, asking to stay for just a little while until she finds somewhere.
Sorry, Emily, but Im not letting you in. Bella and I are quite happy as we are. A third wheel isnt needed.
What? Thats my cat! I bought her.
With your mums money.
Pardon?
You only got Bella because you took your mums money without asking. And besides, you dumped her at the bins. Remember?
Friends dont act like this!
Exactly. And youre not my friend anymore. I cant stay friends with someone who can betray you in a heartbeat.
Emily leaves. Neither Sarah nor Bella see her again.
But after a while, a nice young man named James starts visiting Sarah. Bella, naturally, puts him through her own tests. But, at first glance, he seems lovely.
