Nothing has changed
I walked into my flat feeling buoyant, a box of cake in my hands a cake Id bought especially for Mum and Basil. From the flat below, music drifted up, accompanied by muffled chatter. When my stepdad called my name, I froze in the hallway.
How much longer must I put up with your Mabel? Basils voice was sharp. Shes a real thorn in my side.
I held my breath, pressed against the wall, my heart thudding so hard I thought they could hear it.
Dont get worked up. Let her pay for the birthday, then she can go off. For now, keep your nose out of it.
The words stole my breath away. My fingers clenched so hard the cardboard box almost turned to splintered paper.
What a, I thought, thats exactly what they expect from me.
I slipped out, trying to stay unseen. As soon as the door shut behind me, I tumbled down the stairs in a nearfit of panic. Outside the sun shone just as brightly, but the world suddenly seemed drained of colour. I lowered myself onto a bench in the park opposite my house, the cake box resting on my knees, and stared at it, trying to make sense of everything.
Five years of silence
Five long years I hadnt crossed the threshold of my parents house. I hadnt heard Mums voice, hadnt seen her face. And now, a call and an invitation to a birthday. Basil entered our lives when I was fifteen small, with a sly squint and a perpetual grin.
Mabel! hed shout, winking at Mum. Our slim one, bonethin, shell be blown away by the first breeze!
Mum would laugh at his jokes, looking at him as if he were uttering the greatest truths of humanity.
Basil, youre a riot! shed clap. What a joker!
I would sit, eyes down on my plate, trying to be invisible.
Mum, hes pushing it too far, I finally snapped one day.
Oh, stop being such a child, she brushed off. Its just jokes.
Each day Mum drifted further away, a wall of silence rising between us. I clung to memories of Dad, who always protected me, who believed in me. Hed been gone two years now, yet hed ensured my future: he opened an account that received a monthly £200 for my education. My dream was to finish school, head to Manchester, and get into university a fresh start without Basil and his jokes that turned my world upside down. I believed. I waited.
Graduation
After the leavers dinner I felt like I was soaring on wings. School behind me, a new life ahead that Id always imagined. When I opened the flats door, I was taken aback. Around the festive table sat about ten strangers Id never seen. The air was thick with the smell of roast meat and something sweet. Glasses clinked, laughter boomed.
Basil, sitting at the head of the table beside Mum, spotted me first.
Oh! Our graduate has arrived! he bellowed. Come over, beauty! Lets celebrate a double occasion your school leaving and my new boat!
I walked over, bewildered. Someone shuffled aside, making space.
Ladies and gentlemen, Basil gestured, meet Mabel, my stepdaughter.
He went on, Ive poured my heart into her, raised her like my own! His friends nodded, while I stood frozen with a fork in my hand.
Images flashed through my mind: him making me wash his car in the cold, mocking my grades, insisting Id end up selling at the market after school.
Mabels a bit simple, Basil continued, Shes finished school. Time to work, right, love?
I stayed silent, poking at the salad.
Come on, Basil, a guest laughed, let the girl study.
Whats she studying? Basil squinted. Works more important now. Ive already spoken to Mike shell be a shop assistant in his store. Standing at a till isnt exactly Newtons law.
The table erupted in laughter, and I felt a hot swell inside.
Betrayal
When Mum slipped off to the kitchen, I followed.
Mum, I need to talk, I said quietly. She looked a little tipsy, eyes glittering, movements unsteady.
What is it? she asked, setting a stack of plates on the table.
Im applying to university in Manchester, my voice trembled. I need the money from my account.
Mum froze, then turned slowly.
What money? she frowned.
The money Dad saved for my education.
Oh, that, she waved a hand as if it were nothing. Theres none left.
My world tilted.
How can there be none? I whispered. There was.
No, there isnt, she cut in. Basil needed it for his boat, and look at this feast weve thrown.
I stared at her, not recognising the mother who once read me bedtime stories.
You spent my money? I couldnt believe my ears.
Well, technically it was on my account, Mum shrugged. Basil does a lot for us. He deserves a boat and a holiday.
At that moment Basil burst into the kitchen.
Mabel! he shouted. Mikes got a spot for you at his shop from Monday. Youll be a cashier! He laughed, pleased with himself.
I turned and slipped out of the kitchen, heading straight to my room. My hands shook as I pulled open the dresser drawers, rummaging through boxes.
Where were Dads gifts? Gold earrings, a chain with a pendant, Grandmas ring I found them hidden at the bottom of an old shoe box, untouched.
I didnt need a stepdad. For now, those will be enough in Manchester.
I sat on the bed, looking at Dads photograph on the nightstand.
Ill manage, Dad, I whispered. I promise.
Unexpected call
Five years rushed by like a single day. Manchester greeted me with rain, fog, and the warmth of new friends. University, a night shift in a café, a dorm room with flatmate Lucy. Life fell into place, and I tried not to dwell on the past.
My phone rang early on a Tuesday. An unknown number. Usually Id ignore it, but something made me press the green button.
Hello?
Mabel, love! Its your mother! Im so glad to hear your voice!
I stayed silent, gathering my thoughts.
You there? Mabel, can you hear me?
Yes, I answered briefly. I hear you.
How are you? Hows life? her voice was unusually gentle. Ive missed you so much!
Five years I didnt think about it, and now youre calling, I thought.
Everythings fine, I replied dryly. Studying, working.
Oh, brilliant, dear! Im about to turn fifty, can you believe it? she gushed. I really want you to come home.
I almost laughed at the sudden invitation.
Seriously? After everything?
Dont bring up the old stuff, she said, a hint of irritation creeping in. Everyone makes mistakes. Im sorry. I want us to be a family again.
I closed my eyes. Basils smug face flashed before me, that perpetual grin.
Is Basil coming too? I asked.
Of course! she replied too quickly. Hes asking about you all the time. Hes worried.
Alright, I said, surprising myself. Ill come.
Really? she sounded genuinely surprised. Oh, Im thrilled! When can I expect you?
In a week, I think.
After the call I stared out the window for a long time. Why had I agreed? What was I hoping to find? Part of me still wanted to see Mum, perhaps she had truly changed.
A week later I stood on my parents doorstep. Mum flung the door open and hugged me tight.
Sweetheart! Look at you, grown up, gorgeous! she babbled.
We sat in the kitchen, sipping tea, and Mum chatted about neighbourhood gossip, neighbours, and acquaintances. Then, almost offhand, she added,
Mabel, Ive just realised my birthdays coming up and Ive got no money, she said, eyes downcast. Id love a proper celebration, but Basil well, you know hes not exactly lavish.
I took her hand, looked straight into her eyes.
Dont worry, Mum. Ill handle everything.
After sitting on a bench and thinking it through, I straightened my back and walked back into the house, determined.
Theyll get what they deserve, I promised myself.
I slammed the flats door shut so loudly theyd hear.
Mom emerged a moment later, a strained smile on her face.
Mabel! I was wondering where youd vanished to! Come in, have a tea.
I returned her smile and handed her the cake box.
Here, I thought Id treat you, I said, surprisingly upbeat. And Mum, I have a brilliant idea!
What is it? her eyes lit up.
Ive booked a fancy country house for your birthday! I announced. Imagine a restaurant with a fountain, live music! I even arranged a coach to ferry all the guests.
Mum clapped her hands like a child.
Goodness, Mabel, youre my golden girl! she cried, pulling me into a hug. Basil will love it!
Yes, I think hell be over the moon.
We lingered in the kitchen while Mum listed the invitees. Halflistening, I slipped in, By the way, my friends grandma has nowhere to live. Im thinking of selling my share of the flat to her.
Mums smile vanished, eyes narrowing.
Whats that about? she asked coldly.
Dont worry! I waved it off. Shes quiet, never leaves the house, and we could use the money for living expenses. Ill give you half the proceeds.
Mums face hardened.
How much are we talking about?
I named a sum that made her eyes widen.
That much? Well, then, let her move in.
I pulled a piece of paper from my bag and began scribbling.
Sign the notice of sale, I said, almost nonchalantly.
Mum snatched the pen and, without even reading, signed.
Great, I smiled. Now lets think about what dress youll wear for the party.
The birthday turned out sunny and warm. A large touring coach was already parked outside, guests arriving in smart attire. Basil strutted through the crowd, gesturing loudly. Spotting me, his grin widened.
Oh, theres our benefactor! he shouted. Mabel always knows how to thank us for a happy childhood!
Someone laughed, and I returned a polite smile.
Everyone ready? I asked Mum.
Yes, dear, she replied. Arent you coming with us?
Ill catch a taxi later, I explained. I still have a few things to sort out.
Oh, how thoughtful of you!
The guests boarded the coach. I had arranged payment with the driver: fifty percent up front, the rest on the return. When the coach disappeared around the corner, I pulled out my phone.
Hello, Victor? Its Mabel. Could I view the flat today? Right now, if possible.
I imagined the crowd, led by Mum and Basil, arriving at the countryside restaurant that no one was waiting for, their phones dead, having to share the cost of the return journey.
Half an hour later a tall, broadshouldered man my buyer Victor Stevens, a weightlifter pulled up. He was friendly but his stare hinted at something else.
Everythings as agreed. Im moving in today.
Excellent, I said, smiling. I think youll get along with the neighbours quickly.
After he left, I walked through the flat Id grown up in, memories flooding back both good and bad. Dads photograph still sat on my shelf; I slipped it into my bag.
Leaving the flat, I pictured Basils face when he heard about the new neighbour, and Mum finally realising the restaurant was empty and the money from my share would never reach her. They say revenge is a dish best served cold. Yet, as I closed the door to the flat I would never return to, a warmth settled in my chest.
