Hell Change for Me
If you invite Oliver to your birthday party, dont expect me there. Not just the partyanywhere, really. I cant stand the sight of him!
Grace, hold on Emily hesitated. How can I *not* invite him? Hes my husbands brother. Were family.
Oh, spare me the family talk, Grace scoffed. Since when are you two thick as thieves? You managed just fine without him before. Is he *that* important to you?
Emily bit her lip. She knew Grace and Oliver hadnt exactly been on good terms lately, but *this*? An ultimatum? Really?
It wasnt as if Emily and Oliver were close. Neutral, at best. No, he wasnt important to *her*but her husband, William, was.
Grace, do you even realise what youre asking? Its either you or Will. Hes
Crystal clear, Grace cut in. Williams feelings trump everything. Got it.
The call ended, leaving a sour taste. As if Emily had been backed into a corner and accused of betrayal.
She understood Graces hurt, but she also felt unfairly blamed. Why couldnt Grace see her side? Why did Emily have to choose between family and a friend whod been there her entire life?
Theyd been inseparable since childhoodsame nursery, same school. Their families were close. Summers meant Emily spending weeks at Graces grandparents seaside cottage in Cornwall. Once, theyd even holidayed together in Brighton.
As a girl, Emily had been self-conscious about her weight, and classmates didnt help. Grace, bold as brass, had defended herverbally *and* physically. Soon, everyone knew: tease Emily at your peril.
In return, Emily helped Grace with homework, shared snacks, even lent clothes. Their families still got on famously. Just last month, Emilys mum had raved about Graces parents helping with a home repair. The Fletchers treated Emily like one of their own, always inviting her for holidays.
Grace wasnt just a friend. She was a piece of Emilys lifeimpossible to erase.
Once, theyd nearly become *actual* family. Well, nearly was pushing itmore like wishful thinking on Graces part.
Hey, what if we made it official? Grace had said one day. Introduce me to Oliver. Your brother-in-law. Decent blokes are rare these days, and heres one right under our noses. Wouldnt it be brilliant?
Emily had hesitated. In theory, yes. In practice? She knew Oliver. Charming, good-looking, the life of every partybut hopelessly flighty. He cycled through girlfriends like socks.
Grace, decent is stretching it. Hes a total flirt. Not your type.
Oh, he just hasnt met *the one* yet, Grace had smirked. Theyre all like that till they settle down. I can change himI know it.
Emily had tried to warn her, but Grace wouldnt listen.
She never set them up, but Grace didnt need help. Theyd crossed paths at family gatherings, and soon Grace slid into Olivers DMs. Before long, they were dating.
It started sweetlyhand-holding pics, gushing posts, matching profile photos. Grace was over the moon. Then, predictably, it crashed and burned.
Em, have you seen Oliver? Grace had asked frantically over the phone. He hasnt answered since last night. Hope hes okay.
*More like perfectly fine and thoroughly distracted*, Emily thought.
Grace I *did* warn you. You know what hes like.
Probably work or phone trouble. Hell change for mejust watch.
Spoiler: he didnt. He cheated. When Grace found evidence on someone elses Instagram, she erupted. Months of rage followedevery mention of Oliver set her off.
At first, Grace still showed up to gatherings but couldnt resist jabs.
Grace, pass the crab salad, yeah? Oliver would say.
Get it yourself. Or ask your fan club, shed snipe.
He took it in stride, but everyone else sat on eggshells. One wrong move, and boom.
Eventually, Grace switched from spite to indifference. No more stalking his socials, no glaring. As if hed vanished. Emily thought the storm had passeduntil recently.
Grace learned Oliver had a new girlfriend. Normally, no big dealbut Charlotte wasnt just another fling. Six months in, he was still smitten. Hed even introduced her to his parentssomething hed never done for Grace.
Cue meltdown.
So, he wouldnt lift a finger for *me*, but for *her*, hes suddenly Prince Charming? Grace had hissed. Whats she got that I havent? Seen her photosdresses like a bloke, nose like a potato, chin that could crack walnuts.
Emily knew the venom masked hurt. But why take it out on *her*? She hadnt cheated! And what was she supposed to do? No matter what, someone got hurt.
That evening, Emily confided in William. He scratched his head and sighed.
Honestly, this is all a bit childish. But if you want to invite her, I get it. Oliver can skip your birthdayits *your* day.
And there, in that contrast, it hit her: *This* is how loving people behave. No ultimatums, no demands. If roles were reversed, Emily wouldve bitten her tongue for Graces sakeor just bowed out quietly.
Once, shed have cavedreshuffled plans, made excuses to Oliver. Not this time.
The night before the party, she texted Grace:
Are you coming? Just so I know.
Not if *hes* there.
Grace, I didnt invite your ex. I invited my brother-in-law. And I invited *you*, my best friend. Id love to see you. But if not, I understand.
Grace didnt come. Just a terse Happy Birthday text in the morning. Emily didnt lash outjust replied, Thanks.
The party was surprisingly fun. Oliver brought Charlottea down-to-earth sweetheart. Laughter, toasts, zero drama. William never said a word, but his grateful smile said everything.
Still, Emily kept glancing at her phone. *Maybe?*
It hurt. Despite the joy, she felt like shed lost somethinga chunk of her life. But as she tidied up with William later, she shook it off. Yes, it ached. But shed done right. Shed chosen herselfand her family.
After all, real friendship doesnt force you to choose.
