Run, as Far as Possible
Growing up, Emily was the apple of her parents eye, their only child and constant delight. They gave her everything she could wish forwithin reason, of course.
Mum, I want a new dress like Lucys, shed announce as a little girl, especially after spotting her friend in stylish outfits at birthday parties.
Alright, love, well get you one, Mum would say. So, come Saturday, wed pile into the car and head off to the shopping centre, searching for a dress just like Lucys. But as soon as Emily spotted another even prettier frock, the original plan would be forgotten.
Oh Mum, look! This one is even lovelier! Emily would squeal with delight. Once we got home, shed slip into the dress and twirl about in front of her dad.
Dad, dont I look lovely in this? shed say.
Sure you do, Em! Youre a beauty anyway, but in that dresswell, there are no words! Dad would laugh, scooping her up for a hug and planting a kiss on her head.
Mum was always meticulous about how Emily looked for schoolfresh clothes, spotless shoes, hair neat and tidy.
Never be lazy, Emily. Take care with your appearance. People judge by whats outside before discovering whats inside, as the saying goes, Mum advised.
Thanks to this upbringing, Emily grew used to looking after herself. Mum showed her the ropes in everything, and Emily stayed grateful for it all her life.
When she finished school, Emily went on to university. She blossomed into a confident young woman and turned plenty of heads. Boys were suddenly everywhere.
Get your degree first, love, and think about marriage later, Mum would say. Theres time enough for all that; youre a smart, talented girl.
Emily knew her mother was right, so studies always came first. While her friend Lucy hadnt managed to get into university and was at college instead, their friendship remained strong.
Lucy always had a boisterous streakshe was mates with every lad in the neighbourhood. Always surrounded by boys, shed sometimes end up properly dating one, sometimes just being one of the gang, off to the cinema and sharing a cheeky kiss.
Lucy would tease Emily:
Em, honestly, if I looked like you, every bloke would be after me. You know my mate Tom? He keeps asking to be introduced. Let’s go for a walk with him this evening. You never go out; youre like a nun!
Not tonight, LuceIve got a big essay due. Tell Tom to find someone else.
Oh, Emily, hes doing my head in. He says youre stunning, and hes got money about himand a car his dad gave him. Think about it! Lucy persisted.
Sorry, Luce, just tell him hes not my type at all, Emily would reply with a shrug.
One weekend, Lucy rang and sounded on the verge of tears.
Em, can you come round? Mums gone to Nanas in the country, and I need to talk.
Of course, be there in a bit,” Emily promised.
One look at Lucyred-rimmed eyes, puffy cheeksproved something was seriously wrong.
Come on, spill it, Luce. Whats up? Emily said, settling into the armchair opposite her.
Lucy plopped onto the sofa.
Em, I dont know how Im going to tell Mum. Im pregnant.
Seriously? Emily shot upright. Sure youre not mistaken?
Absolutely positive. I saw the doctor yesterdayalready eight weeks gone.
This is huge. Hows your mum going to take it, do you think?
Lucy dabbed at her eyes. Shes going to go spare. Shes always said Id end up in trouble like thisand now, here we are.
Emily tried to calm her. Look, youre not underage. If you want to, you could get married. Whos the father, though?
Lucy was silent, twisting her hanky. Thats the trouble. I dont know. Could be Shaun, or maybe Ben. I dated them both, neither one knew about the other. Now what if they find out?
And the doctor warned me, if I end the pregnancy, I might never have another chance, she sniffed. But the worst part istelling Mum.
Emily was gobsmacked, but mostly she just felt for her friend. Youll have to tell your mum either way. And have a proper chat with both lads.
I tried. Shaun wants nothing to do with itcalled me names and stormed off. Ben said hes not ready to be a dad and told me to get rid of it.
Emily stayed with Lucy late, comforting her. Look, your mums a woman tooshell be angry, but shell come round. Be honest with her when she gets home.
To Emilys relief, the dreaded confession went as shed predicted. Lucys mum was horrified, but after a tearful shouting match, she agreed to help raise the baby.
By Emilys third year at university, love struck at last. It was nearly spring when she met Christopher. He wasnt a student, but already worked. Christopher was charming, witty, showered Emily with compliments, flowers, and chocolates. Shed had flings before, nothing that left much impression.
But Christopher was utterly differenta fairy-tale prince, she thought. He swept her off her feet with feelings shed never known. He became her whole world.
Theyd meet after class, strolling hand-in-hand through the citys parks, laughing, talking about anything and everything.
Mum noticed the difference immediately.
Emily, youve got that look about you. Have you fallen for someone? she teased.
Emily grinned sheepishly. Maybe And how did you know?
My darling, you positively glow! Theres a sparkle in your eyes, and you cant wipe the grin off your face.
Yes, Im seeing Christopher. Ill introduce you soonwe havent been together long.
Alright, love. Just dont rush things. Get to know him properlydont forget what happened to Lucy.
Mum, Im not a child.
One day, Christopher met Emily after her midday lecture and suggested lunch at a café, then a walk. They chatted and joked as usual, enjoying the fresh spring air. Everything seemed perfect.
Yet suddenly, Christopher stopped, yanked his hand away, and his face twisted in anger. Without warning, he struck Emily hard across the cheek. Shocked, her legs gave way and she crashed to the ground, vision swimming.
Why? flashed through her mind, but she couldnt process it.
Rooted to the spot, clutching her face as tears welled upshe was too stunned to move. Then came a surge of fury and disgust.
Christopher just stood there, making no move to help her up. Then, propelled by indignation, Emily jumped to her feet and ran. She didnt dare look back.
Once home, she locked herself in the bathroom and washed away the tears.
Mum, whats wrong? You look dreadful. Did Christopher hurt you?
Yes, Mum. He slapped me. Out of nowhere. We were joking and talking and he justchanged.
Mum pulled her in close.
Its alright, love. Put Christopher behind you. Some men never changeyoud do well to run a mile from ones like that.
A few days later, Christopher bombarded her with calls and texts, begging for forgiveness, swearing it was a fluke, that he loved her. He even showed up outside university.
Em, Im so sorry. It just happened, I dont know why. Please forgive me. I love you. Lets just forget about it.
But that night haunted Emily. She lay awake, gutted, unable to understand how she hadnt seen this side of him.
Christopher, she said the next time he tried to talk to her, Dont come near me again. Were done. Dont call, dont write.
She blocked his number, deleted him from social media, and did her best to erase him from her memorya nightmare to never be revisited. She knew deep down, someone whod strike her once, would do it again.
No apology could change that or make it right.
As time went on, Emily thought to herself: Im grateful to fate for ending this before it went any further, for the strength to walk away and not take him back. God spared me a ruined life.
She never saw Christopher again, and she never missed him. That experience taught her to be far more careful choosing a partner. She realised looks and sweet words could hide darkness. Emily grew stronger, more independent, and more self-assured.
Soon enough, she met Danielnot the most handsome, but gentle and kind. Emily took her time, observing, learning, until she finally agreed to marry him.
Theyve been happy together for years, raising twin sons. The dark episode is long behind her. In Daniel, shes found everything she truly neededhappiness, tenderness, love, care, and understanding.
Reflecting now, I see that lifes harsh moments shape us. The greatest lesson I learned is to trust actions over words, and never excuse crueltyno matter how charming the disguise.
