The memory of that weekend still lingers, as if it were a chapter from a longago diary. Emily had just slipped the phone into her hand, a grin spreading across her face, when Robert trotted over to her.
Can you imagine, Emily? Peter and Agnes are coming for the weekend! he announced, eyes twinkling.
Really? Its been ages five years, perhaps? she replied, returning his smile. Well, well have plenty to talk about.
Yes, theyve been itching to get away. Peter kept moaning that everything back in their town was getting worse. Wed managed to break free, while they were still stuck in the mire.
Where will they stay? Emily asked.
I thought they could crash at our place. No objections, I hope? Robert narrowed his eyes playfully.
If theyve already decided without me, Im all for it. Well give them a proper London weekendshow them the city, the parks, the proper way to live if you put in the effort. Pride flickered in Emilys gaze as she thought of the life she and Robert had carved out: a modest flat, a stable job, a roof over their heads. Many had scoffed, saying provincials had nothing to catch.
By the time the guests arrived, the flat gleamed. Emily had scrubbed every surface, pulled fresh linens from the wardrobe, and laid them across the sofa. Shed even bought a cosy throw to keep the chill at bay, and a couple of new pillows for added comfort. The two of them prepared for the visit as if they were expecting close kin.
On Saturday morning the intercom chimed. Within a minute, Peter and Agnes stood in the hallway. Peter was in an old tracksuit that no one in the capital wore any longer; Agnes wore tight jeans and a clingy top, her expression sour and her eyes scanning the corridor.
Welcome, dear friends, Robert said.
Even better than I imagined, Peter muttered, shedding scuffed sneakers and flashing holey socks.
Agnes slipped deeper into the flat, surveyed the room in silence, then asked, Do you rent this?
No, its ours. Bought with a mortgage, Robert replied. Shall we head to the kitchen? Tea or coffee?
Coffee, Agnes said.
I could use something stronger, Peter tapped Robert on the shoulder.
An hour later the atmosphere had loosened. The friends swapped news.
This place feels like a different world, Emily remarked.
The air itself seems fresher, and people actually smile here, Agnes nodded.
Why wouldnt they smile? Theres something to live for, Peter added. Back home we have no decent wages, no jobs. Its hopeless.
Emily placed a bowl of fruit and a homemade tart on the table, the one shed baked especially for their arrival.
Robert, Peter began over dinner, any openings at your work? Im fed up with scrabbling for pennies.
Ill see, Robert said. Were actually hiring at the moment. Ill put in a word, but I cant promise anything, Peter.
Would you consider moving, perhaps with the kids? Emily asked, surprised.
Peter hesitated, and Agnes sampled the tart, then sighed. Wed love to relocate the whole family, but you knowtwo children, the older just started nursery. Weve fought hard for that spot, and weve no money for a move.
If it helps, Peter could go first. We have a staff flat where lads share twoperson rooms. They dont complain, Robert offered.
Emily caught a flicker of doubt in Roberts eyes, but he brushed it aside with a smile.
I wouldnt want us to live apart, Agnes murmured. Its a question of prospects and pay.
The following Monday the guests departed. Peter sent his résumé; Robert put in a good word. Within weeks the job came through. Robert kept his promise, speaking to the manager and recommending him. Peter was taken on a probationary contractnothing highranking, but with a respectable salary and room for advancement.
Mate, I owe you one, Peter said one evening, bearing a bottle of red wine. Its a lifeline. Back home were out of options. Lets make a fresh start!
Just dont let us down, Robert replied, uncorking the bottle.
Emily watched from the doorway. At first everything seemed normal: Peter would pop in now and then, sip tea, chatter about his new post. He didnt stay the night; he grew accustomed to the temporary shared rooms with his colleagues.
Hows Agnes? How are the kids? Emily asked out of habit.
The kids are good. I sent them money for new toys. Mom helps but my wife isnt thrilled Ive gone. Im glad, honestlyI get a breather from her constant control, Peter confessed after a few glasses.
Ah, the longdistance strain, Emily muttered. At least youll miss each other.
Peter eventually left again, but the next weekend he returned, this time with Agnes and the children.
Were here for the weekend, Agnes announced, as if everything had been prearranged. Weve missed you! The kids havent seen their father in ages, and we havent caught up with you either.
Emily froze, surprised. It had been a year or two since theyd last seen each othercertainly not just a fortnight. Come in, then. Ive roasted a chicken, she said, forcing a smile. Where are you staying?
In a hotel, Agnes sighed. Terribly expensive, but we have no other choice. I need to see my husband now and then, otherwise hell forget what I look like and bring someone else home.
What do you mean, bring someone else? Robert asked, halfjoking.
Red or white? he added, his hospitality slipping into routine.
Honestly, we wont be long. Could you look after the kids for a while? Peter and I need some time alone you know, a oneroom flat isnt exactly romantic with children about.
Robert glanced at Emily, shrugged, and said, Alright, just this once. Take the little ones, and well see what we can do.
Emily laughed, Theyll be in good hands. They say theres good money for a bit of babysitting maybe enough for a flat.
Peter and Agnes left, the children staying with Robert and Emily. Nothing disastrous happened. The young couple was exhausted, but they felt a bit like heroes for not abandoning their friends.
Soon the visits became a regular thing. Agnes turned up almost every week, asking to mind the childrennot for a couple of hours, but for an entire day or even a whole Saturday.
My husbands in another city, she would say. I need these meetings. Please, you have no kids at the momentpractice on us!
Emilys patience wore thin, and on the third request she snapped, The nurserys closed. We have plans.
What? Youre moving out? Agnes gasped, then brightened with an idea. Fine. Hand us the keys. Well stay a week or two. Hotels are too pricey; my husband wont pay, says my visits cost him too much.
No, that wont work. Were only away for a night, then well be back. Where do you want us to stay? Emily asked.
Youve got two rooms. We wont be a bother. Were practically family, Agnes pleaded.
After that, Emily nearly argued with Robert. Did you hear what she said? She wants us to shift so she can settle in!
Maybe shes stressedkids, moving, a husband maybe PMS, Robert suggested.
Not stress, sheer audacity! Were not obliged to house them! Im against it. Call Peter and tell his wife to stop overstepping, Emily snapped.
Listen, thats not right, Robert replied.
Are they behaving well? Emily asked.
Robert shrugged. He called Peter, and Agnes backed offat least for the moment. It seemed she changed tactics, sending messages to Robert instead.
Hi, can you do me a favour? I need to check his phone Is he texting anyone?
When Robert refused, Agnes wrote again, Then at least visit him. See if there are any womens things in his room.
Robert seriously! Talk to him. Hes pulling away, Im scared. I think hes got someone else! He trusts you, doesnt he?
Robert first gave short replies, then started ignoring her. Yet Agnes persistedcalls, voice notes with tears, long texts littered with pleading emojis.
Robert kept the messages hidden from Emily, deleting them, retreating to another room to take calls.
One evening, while he was away with his phone, Emily peeked over his shoulder and saw a long message from Agnes: Go see him tomorrow. I think hes ignoring me. Im sure hes found someone. Check his phone if you can.
Emilys face flushed. What are you hiding? Is she a friend now? Are you spying on Peter?
Im not spying! Robert stammered. She just wont stop. She writes, calls, complains. I thought maybe, as a friends wife, I should help
Help? Shes using you as a errand boy, and you stay silent. Thats because you cant say no. You gave her permission, and now youre hiding like a guilty cat! Shame on you!
Okay, Im sorry. I should have told you and ended this nonsense. He erased the messages and blocked Agnes number.
After that, Agnes finally got through to Robert, and he told her he would no longer take part in her little investigations. She sulked, claiming Emily was ruining her, that true friends dont act that way.
You know, if you keep pressing, Ill tell Peter she warned.
Only then did Agnes back off.
Peter eventually learned of the messages from Emily. He was outraged at how far things had gone and one evening told Robert, Shes been chewing you up, hasnt she? Im sorry shes been so meddlesome. I thought distance would help, but it didnt. Ill sort it out.
Two months passed. Both Agnes and Peter disappeared from their lives. Robert and Emily returned to their old routine, took a short holiday, visited their parents, and later ran into Agnes back in their hometown. She passed by without a greeting. It later emerged they had split.
Rumour had it Agnes had found someone while Peter was in London, and his jealous wife had been unfaithful herself. Such things happen, after all.
