Oh blimey, let me tell you what happened with my bloke, James, the absolute muppet. He swanned off on holiday all by himself, leaving me and our little one, Poppy, stranded at Heathrow. Lets just say his relaxing break didnt go quite as planned, and by the time he got back, he was in for a right shock.
There I was, clutching Poppy while she howled her little lungs out, my arms knackered and a proper headache brewing. Where on earth is James? I muttered, bouncing her gently. Shh, love, Daddyll be back soon, I lied through my teeth.
Then my phone buzzeda bloody selfie of James, grinning like the Cheshire Cat on his flight. Couldnt wait, needed this break. Ive been working my socks off. Catch the next flight, it said. My jaw nearly hit the floor. Hed actually ditched us? Just like that?
Youve got to be having a laugh, I hissed, staring at the screen while Poppys cries got even louder, like she knew something was off. I cuddled her close, my mind racing. Right, sweetheart, were going home, I told her, though it was more for me.
The cab ride was a blur. I kept replaying his message, each time feeling my blood boil a bit more. Once we got home, I tucked Poppy in for a kip and grabbed my phone. I nearly rang James straight away but stopped myselfno, I needed a proper plan first.
Pacing the lounge, it hit methe perfect payback. With a grim smile, I rang his hotel, the fancy Royal Oaks Resort.
Hello, how may I assist? chirped the receptionist.
Hiya, its about my husbands bookingJames W, I said, laying it on thick. Once I explained, she was all too happy to help. Wake-up calls at 3 AM, 5 AM, and 7 AM? Certainly. Random room service deliveries? No bother. Book him on every tour, even the dreadful pottery one? Consider it done.
I hung up, feeling a bit naughty but chuffed. But I wasnt finished. I marched into our room and started boxing up his prized gearhis PlayStation, his vintage Oasis records, even his posh Savile Row suits. Fancy a solo holiday? How about a solo life? I muttered, hauling it all to the car.
At the storage place, I had to laughhere I was, a new mum, stashing his stuff like some drama from EastEnders. Back home, I rang a locksmith. How quick can you get here? Its proper urgent.
While I waited, James kept sending picslounging on the beach, at some swanky restaurant, looking miserable by the minute. Good, I thought. Serves you right.
The locksmith sorted the new locks in no time. For a second, I wondered if Id gone too farbut then I remembered that smug airport selfie, and nah, he deserved every bit.
—
The week dragged on, just me and Poppy, ignoring Jamess increasingly frantic texts:
Emily, whats going on? The hotel keeps banging on my door at all hours!
Love, why am I signed up for a *flower-arranging* class?
I left him on read, letting him stew.
Finally, his return flight landed. I picked him up, Poppy giggling in her seat.
Hey, James said, shuffling into the car like a scolded schoolboy. Missed you both.
I kept a straight face. Good holiday?
He sighed. It was something. Look, Em, Im sorry
Save it for home, I cut him off.
The drive was silent as the grave. When we pulled up, he frowned. Did you do summat to the door?
I shrugged, lifting Poppy out. Try your key and see.
He jiggled it, confusion turning to panic when it didnt work. Emily, whats this about?
I stood there, Poppy on my hip, cool as you like. Oh, that keys no good anymore. Bit like your decision to swan off without us. Hope you enjoyed itnow youll need somewhere else to kip.
His face went sheet-white. What? Em, come off it, it was a mistake! I didnt think youd
Didnt think Id mind? You left your wife and baby at Heathrow!
I know, Im a prat, he groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. But cant we talk inside?
I shook my head. Nope. Your stuffs in storage. Youll get it back when you learn to act like a proper dad and husband.
His jaw dropped. My *stuff*? Em, be seriouswhere am I meant to go?
Not my problem, I said, turning to unlock the door. You work so hard, remember? Sort yourself out.
As I stepped inside, he yelled, Wait! Just talk to me!
I paused. Part of me wanted to slam the door foreverbut the part that still loved him won. I opened it. Five minutes. Thats it.
We sat on the doorstep, Poppy babbling between us.
James took a deep breath. I messed up. Properly. Work was doing my head in, and with the baby, I just panicked. But thats no excuse. Im gutted, Em.
I watched him closely. Do you have *any* idea how it felt? Just me and Poppy, abandoned?
He looked wrecked. I cant even imagine. Ive been hating myself since that plane took off.
Then why not come back?
He met my eyes, properly ashamed. I was too embarrassed. Scared of how much Id hurt you.
My anger flickered, but I wasnt letting him off yet. And all those smug holiday pics?
He winced. Trying to convince myself it was worth it. But truth? It was rubbish. Missed you both every second.
Poppy reached for him, and I passed her over. He cuddled her close, eyes glistening. Daddys so sorry, poppet.
Watching them, my heart softened a smidge. James, how do I know you wont do this again?
He looked dead serious. Ill do whatever it takes. Therapy, whatever you need. I swear on my life.
I sighed, exhausted. Its not gonna be easy.
He nodded. I know. But Ill put the work in.
I stood, taking Poppy back. Alright. You can come in. But youre on the sofa, and were starting counselling tomorrow.
The relief on his face was pathetic. Thank you, Em. Ill make it up to you.
As we walked in, I added, Oh, and check your bank statement. Those hotel tours werent cheap.
He groaned but half-smiled. Yeah, fair play.
The next few months were toughproper counselling, lots of late-night chats. But bit by bit, we got there.
One night, tucking Poppy in, James turned to me. Ta for giving me another shot. I know I didnt earn it.
I squeezed his hand. Everyone mucks up. Its what you do after that counts.
He hugged me tight. Love you, Em. Both of you. Next holiday, I promiseitll be all of us.
I laughed. Lets start with a picnic in Hyde Park, eh?
As we watched Poppy snooze, I realised sometimes the biggest mess-ups can make you strongerif youre both willing to fight for it.
