Alex arrived to visit his parents. He borrowed his mothers large shopping bag and set out for the market to buy groceries.
Dont forget the sausagesget some homemade ones! his mother called out after him.
Theyre always fresh at the market!
All right, Mum! he replied, stepping out into the street.
Alex had almost finished his shopping and was making his way home when a woman caught his attention. He peered at her, frozen with the bag still in his hand.
This cant be, he muttered under his breath.
Lydia had always been a beauty. But there was something about herher charm made people want to just be near her, not merely admire her looks.
Lydia was like thatsoft, smooth blonde hair pulled into a tidy bun, gentle manners, and a calm, pleasant voice.
Her blue eyes watched people with care and even a hint of tenderness.
She had an art for listening and offering comfort; even when short on advice, she would simply sigh, and already the world felt lighter beside her.
Lydia was two years older than Alex, and theyd grown up on the same street. As a child, hed found that age gap vast.
She was the life and soul of the neighbourhood. Time had flown by, and before Alex realised it, Lydiahis wonderful Lydiahad married.
How? When did it happen?
What did you expect? an old neighbour chuckled. She wasnt going to wait for you forever! Lads were always flocking around her. Shes kind and sensible. You should be looking for your own brideand pay a bit better attention.
Theres no one like her, Alex sighed.
He started going to dances, meeting new girls, but none measured up. At a friends wedding, he was introduced to Vera.
Tall, assertive, livelyshe was easily the most striking of the bridesmaids. Before he knew it, Vera had picked him as her dance partner. After a bit of bubbly, everyone was in high spirits.
Alex woke up in Veras arms at her flat the next morning, piecing together the night before as friends started popping in with knowing smiles and jokes about a future wedding.
Alex had planned on staying just one night but ended up staying a week. Things moved quickly. Vera insisted they register for marriage.
I want to marry you, Alex! Believe it or not, for me, it was love at first sight! she declared.
Her honesty both flattered and unsettled Alex.
This wasnt what hed envisioned love and marriage would be like. But then Vera became pregnant, and they married.
There was no big, noisy wedding. Vera was still a student and her parents didnt approve of such a hurried match. Neither did Alexs parents.
It wasnt long before both Vera and Alex realised how little they had in common.
Not even six months passed. Veras stubborn, uncompromising ways left no room for Alex to lead as the man of the house. Vera commanded everythingoften voicing her displeasure in no uncertain terms.
Alex bolted as soon as he found work and a room at a hostel in London, and later, when Vera grew tired of coaxing him back home, they divorced.
Hed accepted their daughter at the hospital, paid maintenance on time, and visited her at holidays and weekends whenever he could return to his hometown.
Four years later, Alex married again, this time choosing a gentle, modest woman with a quiet temperament.
She had a son from her first marriage. Valerie reminded Alex somewhat of Lydia, but was still different in her own way, and Alex always felt itas if he knew that no one could ever surpass his ideal of Lydia.
When his mother asked after his new family, he would reply,
Everythings fine, Mum. Were doing all right.
Just all right? Is that it? she would sigh, nodding sadly. Are you still thinking of Lydia, then?
Whats there to remember? Alex replied, turning away. We never even came close to anything real, just
Just what? Childhood friendship is one thing, love is another. Youve built up some fantasy in your head, and now you carry it aroundmake yourself unhappy, and your wives, too Live for today, appreciate what you have, my son.
Dont worry, Mum, were fine, he would repeat as he left.
But happiness never quite came to Alex in his second marriage, either. Nothing wrong, exactlylife was smooth, but flat. No spark, no feeling. They lived together more out of habit, as if simply to have a family.
Maybe thats why Valerie ended up having an affair after ten years, something Alex never saw coming.
Well, thats a turn of events. I thought you were so quiet was all he said as he handed her the divorce papers. Youve betrayed me, Valerie. I helped bring up your sonhe calls me Dad. And you
Their separation was calm; there was nothing left to say. Alex still kept in touch with little William, as well as his own daughter by VeraEleanor.
Once, during a visit to his parents, Alex took his mothers large bag and set out for the market.
And remember, bring back some proper sausages from the butcher! his mother called.
All right, Mum! he called back and headed out.
Alex had nearly completed his shopping when suddenly a woman caught his eye.
He stopped dead with the groceries in his hands.
It cant be
It was Lydia.
A sudden rush of nerves hit himLydia was still so captivating, so lovely.
Hello, Lydia, Alex murmured as he approached her. Why are you dressed all in black?
Lydia looked past him, her expression distant.
Oh, hello, Alex. Good to see you. I lost my husband its been eight months. Still cant bring myself to wear anything but black Its hard.
Shall we walk together? Were going in the same direction, arent we? Alex offered, taking the bag from her hand.
Well, not quite. I moved to the other side of town years ago, Lydia replied.
I could walk you there, if youll let me. We could talk a bit, catch up? Alex pleaded, his gaze so earnest that Lydia nodded.
Alex learned Lydia now lived with her daughter, a university student.
After that chance meeting, Alex was filled with new emotion. He realised he was falling for Lydia againif hed ever stoppedand feared only one thing: that he would lose her.
Two weeks later, he told his mother at the kitchen table,
Mum, I want to marry Lydia. Do you think shell agree?
His mother looked at him, realising he was serious. Alex was pale, agitated, worn down.
Sit yourself down. Have some of my soup, then well talk. You look dreadful, son. Whats going on with you? she said firmly.
Alex tucked into the soup, waiting, hoping for her blessing.
Youve made mistakes before, but maybe its time to try for happiness again. Where do you get this devotion, I wonder? Go to her, but remembershes still grieving. She loved her husband dearly. Dont push; be there as a friend. Thats what she needs right now. If she finds space in her heart for you, the rest will fall into place. But take it slowly
Alex barely managed a nod, hugged his mum, and set out for Lydias. He rang and asked if she would meet him in the town park.
She came, seemingly aware of what was on Alexs mindhis feelings were written all over his face. When he nervously handed her flowers and began to speak about the two long, solitary years hed spent, Lydia interrupted gently:
I understand, Alex. Its strange, you coming to me like this now
Alex blanched. Despite his natural reserve, he cut across her with a look of utter desperation.
No, listen. Please. If I dont say it all now youll never understand.
Lydia was silent, sitting on a bench.
When we were young I was a fool and let you slip away. I just didnt know how to talk to you, and maybe I wasnt ready. But you were always the oneI loved you. Only you.
My first wifeit was a mistake, a way to forget you, but it never worked out.
The second, well, even she couldnt deal with me being so steady and calm there was never love, not really. Do you see? I compared everyone to you. It wasnt fair to them, but I couldnt help it.
Youre the best, not just for meyoure one of a kind. I cant stand the thought of losing you again, Lydia. Will you marry me?
They sat in silence for a while. Alex waited, heart pounding, for a word from Lydia.
She looked at him, understanding how he felt.
If I hadnt known you since we were children, Alex, I wouldnt have believed you. But you always were so good, gentle, and quietly shy.
What does that mean? Alex asked hoarsely, staring at the ground.
It means I need time. Thats all.
How long? he asked.
I dont know Lydia whispered with a sigh. Its still too soon. But thank youIm thankful to know someone needs me. That matters.
But well see each other still? At least as friends? The thought of anyone else catching your eye
Id rather not think of that either, honestly, Lydia replied. Lets not rush things
They parted ways. Alex returned to London for work, but Lydia was never far from his thoughts.
He spent every weekend with her, bringing treats and small gifts. Lydia was embarrassed by how quickly her old friend had become a suitor.
Alex, lets not meet near my house. The neighbours will gossip. Please, give it at least a year
As you wish. I just want to see you. Come over to mineIll introduce you to my cat, Lucy.
Shes a beauty. Ive got two weeks holiday nowmy parents are off on a seaside breakso someones got to feed and entertain her.
And you can check out the new décor Ive put in.
That evening, Lydia didnt go home. She stayed with Alex.
When Alexs parents returned, they immediately noticed the change in him.
He was painting the hallway, humming to himself, whistling, and the flat was cleaner than ever with vases of flowers about.
When his mother asked, Alex said proudly,
Yes! Mum, yes. Lydias living with me now. Were happy.
Typicalyou wait till were away and go and get married again, his father laughed.
No, Dad, she refuses to formalise anythingfor now. But Ill keep at it.
Shes right, said his mother. Dont rush into things. Let it be, and itll sort itself out.
I hope so, Alex said. The most important thing is shes coming with me the day after tomorrow. Shes moving in.
Well done, Alex, his father beamed. Youre quiet, but you know what youre about. If you like a woman, dont let her go.
Hes been pining after her for ages, his mother waved a hand.
Before moving, Lydia and Alex had dinner with both familiesold neighbours from way back. The meal was almost like a parental blessing.
Decades have passed since then. Alex and Lydia are still togethercaring for each other with a tenderness and respect as if theyd always been a couple, as if those years apart were nothing: from childhood to maturity.
They never distinguish between their own children and grandchildren; they all love to visitAlexs and Lydias alike.
Alex never calls his wife anything but My Lydia.
It seems as if neither of them has grown old. Lydia is happy, and enjoys attending church.
I light a candle, pray, and thank God for my fortune, she once told Alexs mother. Even after losing my first husband in such a sad way, the Lord sent me someone Ive known since childhooda kind, loving soul. Amazing, isnt it? Thats how life turns out sometimesAlex smiled at her quietly as they watched the candles flicker, warm shadows dancing across Lydias face. Outside, winter frost was shimmering on the windows, but inside the little house, laughter floated down the hall where their grandchildren played games and argued over whod get the first slice of cake. Lucy the cat curled contentedly in Lydias lap.
One evening, as the years rolled on, Alex and Lydia sat side by side in their garden, stars pricking the dark sky, mugs of tea warming their hands. Lydia looked over at Alex and said, Funny, isnt it? You can search your whole life for happiness and not find it until you finally stop searching. She squeezed his hand. But you never gave up, Alex. Not on us.
He shook his head, lips curled in a gentle, crooked grin. Some stories just take a little longer, he replied.
They gazed at the stars in companionable silence. Alex thought back over the winding path that had brought him herethe mistakes, the disappointments, the second chances. At last, here he was with Lydia, the woman hed loved from the beginning. It wasnt a life hed ever planned, but it had become the life he wanted most.
And in that stillness, wrapped in the soft buzz of familychildrens voices, the clink of dishes, the purr of a catAlex finally understood what his mother had meant so many years ago: happiness doesnt arrive all at once, blazing and unmistakable. Sometimes, it tiptoes in, gentle and familiar, slipping its hand in yours on a quiet night under starlight.
He squeezed Lydias hand in return. She offered him a smile, bright as a new dawn.
And so, at last, Alex knew: he was home.
