Mum, have you made the cordial? asked Emily, stepping into the kitchen where her mother stood. The whole flat smells amazing.
I have, love, smiled Margaret, stirring the pot. Blackcurrant. I know how much you like it.
Emily wrapped her arms around her mothers shoulders and peeked into the saucepan. The berries floated in a deep purple syrup, releasing a familiar childhood aroma.
Is Charlotte coming over today? she asked, settling at the table.
She said shed pop in for lunch. Wants to talk about something important.
Margaret poured the cordial into glasses and slid one toward her daughter.
Try itnot too sweet, is it?
Emily took a sip and shook her head.
Perfect. Just like when we were little.
Her mother sat across from her, studying her face carefully.
Emily, have you noticed Charlottes been acting odd lately? She used to call every day, and now weeks go by without a word.
Mum, shes got work, the kids. Shes busy.
Maybe. But somethings off. Yesterday, I saw her at the shopssaid hello, and she looked straight through me.
Emily frowned. Her sister *had* been distant these past monthsshort replies, silent at family gatherings, always the first to leave.
Probably just going through something, she said. Ill talk to her.
The doorbell cut them off. Margaret hurried to answer.
Charlotte! So glad youre here! her cheerful voice carried from the hall.
Hello, Mum, came Charlottes flat reply.
Emily heard footsteps, then her sister appeared in the kitchen doorway. Charlotte looked tense, lips pressed into a thin line.
Hi, Char, Emily greeted. Sit downMums made cordial.
No thanks, Charlotte clipped, remaining standing.
Margaret gave her younger daughter a worried look.
Love, whats wrong? You seem
Im fine, Charlotte interrupted. I need to talk to Emily. Alone.
Emily raised her eyebrows. Shed never heard that tone from her sister before.
Mum, maybe give us a minute?
Margaret nodded and left, casting an uneasy glance back.
Charlotte stepped closer but didnt sit.
Right, she began, icy. Enough playing the saint.
What are you on about? Emily blinked.
Your little secret. Thought I wouldnt find out?
A chill ran down Emilys spine. Her mind raced, but nothing made sense.
Charlotte, explain properly. Whats going on?
Remember James, do you? Charlottes voice sharpened.
Emily froze. JamesCharlottes husband. They *had* had an awkward encounter months ago. But she thought no one knew.
What exactly are you implying?
Dont play dumb! Charlotte snapped. I know about your little café meetings. How you comforted *my* husband when we were having problems. How you hugged him in the car park.
She pulled out her phone and showed Emily photosher and James at a café, talking, one of them embracing.
Charlotte, its not what you think
Oh, really? Charlotte sneered. Then what? Tell me why my own sister was sneaking around with my husband!
Emily exhaled heavily. Shed dreaded this conversation but hoped it would never come.
James came to me for advice, she said. Said you were fighting, talking divorce. He was lost.
And you *helped* him? Charlottes voice turned brittle. What a devoted sister-in-law!
He was desperate! Said he loved you, didnt want to lose the family. I just listened.
Listened? Charlotte finally sat, rigid. Why you? Why not his mates? His mum?
Emily realised the trap. Why *had* James come to her?
I dont know. Maybe because Im your sisterId understand your side.
Liar! Charlotte exploded. He came to you because youve always been too *interested*! Even when we were dating, you hung on his every word!
Thats ridiculous. Theres nothing to hide. Yes, we met a few times. Yes, I hugged himhe was crying. But nothing happened!
And then he suddenly changed his mind about the divorce, Charlotte barrelled on. Started saying we should work it out. I thought it was his decision. Turns out it was *yours*!
Emily stood and moved toward her sister.
Charlotte, I get youre upset. But I only wanted to help. It hurt seeing you both miserable.
*Help*? Charlotte recoiled. You decided *for me* whether my marriage was worth saving! You meddled where you had no right!
But you didnt divorce! Youre okay now!
Do you even *know* how we are? Charlottes eyes glistened with angry tears. James quotes you every argumentEmily says family matters, Emily says we should try. Im *sick* of hearing your name!
Emily sank back into her chair. The disaster was dawning on her.
He uses your words against me, Charlotte seethed. Says *you* think Im selfish, that I give up too easily. I feel like a stranger in my own home!
I never called you selfish
What *did* you say, then? Tell me *exactly* what you told him!
Emily was cornered. Anything she said now would dig the hole deeper.
I said you loved each other. That youve got kids, a life together. That you shouldnt throw it away over a rough patch.
A *rough patch*? Charlotte shot up. He *cheated* on me! I found texts with his ex! Is that a *rough patch* to you?
The floor seemed to drop beneath Emily. James hadnt mentioned an affaironly misunderstandings.
Charlotte, I didnt know
Of course not! But you *advised* him anyway! Now Im stuck with a man who betrayed me because my *wise* sister said marriage is sacred!
Margaret appeared in the doorway.
Girls, whats all this shouting? The neighbours will hear.
Not your business, Mum! Charlotte snapped.
Charlotte! Margaret gasped. How could you speak to me like that?
Charlotte turned, and Emily saw pure pain in her eyes.
How *should* I speak? Charlotte asked. Smile and pretend everythings fine? Like my *perfect* family taught me?
Charlotte, leave Mum out of this, Emily cut in. This is between us.
Oh, *is* it? Charlottes laugh was bitter. Youve all *always* decided for me! Mum said I was too stubborn, that I should listen more. And you took up the chant!
Margaret looked lost. I dont understand. Whats happened?
Your golden child, Charlotte said coldly, has been meeting *my* husband behind my back, giving him marriage advice.
Margaret gasped. Emily, is this true?
Mum, its not
Its *exactly* that! Charlotte cut in. And now Im supposed to *thank* her? For trapping me with a cheater because *family comes first*?
Emily stood, reaching for her sister, but Charlotte stepped back.
Charlotte, lets talk calmly. Ill explain.
I dont *want* your explanations, Charlotte spat. Just understand this: from today, youre nothing to me.
Silence. Even Margaret was speechless.
Charlotte, dont be silly, Margaret tried. Youre sisters.
*Were* sisters, Charlotte corrected. Now I want *nothing* to do with her.
She pulled out her phone, fingers tapping furiously.
What are you doing? Emily asked.
Deleting you. Everywhere. Socials, contactsI never want to see your name again.
Charlotte, stop this! Emily cried. Its not worth wrecking everything over!
Charlottes glare burned.
*Wrecking*? *You* wrecked my life! Made me live with a man I *hate* because *you* knew best!
No one *made* you! You chose!
After *your* interference! James parrots you *daily*Emily says this, Emily says that. I felt *guilty* for wanting out!
Margaret clutched her chest. Girls, *stop*. My blood pressure
Both looked at her, but Charlotte didnt soften.
Mum, you shouldnt hear this. Go rest.
How can I *rest*? Margaret whimpered. Youve always been so close!
We *were*, Charlotte said. But some lines cant be uncrossed.
What line? Emily burst out. I tried to *help*!
*Help*?
