Mum, someones knocking at the door! Could you get it? My hands are full.
Of course, love, Natalie answered with a quiet smile.
She opened the door without even checking the peephole. It was Christmas Eve, after all, and kids had been going round carolling all evening. She expected to see another little boy or girl on the doorstep.
So when she swung the door open, she froze. Standing there was David, her ex-husband, looking at her with those kicked-puppy eyes. At his feet was a duffel bag, probably stuffed with his things.
Natalie swallowed hard, finding her voice again.
David what are you doing here?
He gave her a smiletoo friendly, too eager. Then he ducked his head slightly, staring at his shoes like a scolded schoolboy.
Hey, Nat. Missed you all so much. Thought Id spend the holidays with my favourite family.
He went to step inside, grabbing his bag, but she held up a hand, stopping him dead.
I didnt invite you in, David.
Oh, here we go. Nat, Im back. Isnt this what you wanted? Ta-da! He spread his arms wide, like he was some grand surprise.
Just like that? You forgot the last year and a half?
David scowled, and Natalie remembered how her heart had shatteredcompletely, irreparably.
…Fifteen years ago, theyd tied the knot. A young couple in a rented flat in Manchester. They were happy, thick as thieves. Both working, money never an issue. A year later, the twins arrivedBen and Jack. Wild little things, exhausting her every day, but she adored them.
Thirteen years flew by. The boys shot up, nearly as tall as her now, but still her cheeky lads. David, though? He changed. Late nights, work trips, always somewhere else. She told herself it was just the job, the pressure.
Till one day, at Tesco, she spotted him in the spirits aislesupposedly away on business. She went to call out, but then a young woman kissed his cheek and dropped something in his basket. Natalie held her breath, watching from behind a display. David didnt hold backarm round her waist, whispering in her ear, making her laugh. Then they paid and drove off in his car.
Natalie stood there, pain cutting through her. Her whole life had just derailed. Still, like a fool, she called him.
Hey, love. You get there alright? she asked, voice steady, heart not.
Oh, Nat, hi. Yeah, swamped with work. Ill call later.
She finished shopping, went home, made dinner, helped the boys with homework, tucked them in. Then she stared at her phone, willing it to ring.
It never did.
A week passed in silence. She waited, aching, but didnt call again. Then, the day before David was due back, she sent the boys to her mums. She knew what was coming.
When he walked in, she was at the kitchen table. He breezed past, calling out like nothing was wrong.
Wheres my welcome home? No one missed their old dad?
Who is she, David?
He flinched but played dumb.
Who? Nat, whatre you on about?
I saw you. At Tesco. A week ago.
He sat across from her, finally dropping the act.
Emily. From work.
How long?
Nearly a year. But Nat, youve got to understandhomes just chaos. The boys, the noise. You never notice me. Im always last. Youre their mum first, my wife second.
They need me! Youre a grown man
But Im bored! Life with you is grey. Dull. Emily gets me. She doesnt nag.
What did I ever ask for?
Dishes, shelves, leaksIm sick of it! Im in my prime, Nat. I need someone who sees me. Youre just a mum now. I dont love you anymore.
The words hung there.
Fine. Youre bored with me. What about the boys?
Theyll cope. Alimony, weekends. I need freedom.
Theyll be devastated. Stay. For them.
Im done. Im leaving.
And just like that, he packed a bag and walked out.
…Now, seeing him on her doorstep with that same bag, Natalie almost laughed. He had no idea what the last year and a half had been like. The boys crying, calling, getting nothing back. He paid the bare minimum, leaving her to scrape by with extra shifts. But shed managed.
You said we were boring, she said flatly.
David perked up, trying to step inside, but she blocked him.
I was wrong, love. Forgive me. He reached for her hand; she pulled away. You were my rock. Emily was just a fling.
Noise from the hallBen poked his head out.
Whos here, Mum?
Then Jack appeared.
Dad?
Lads! Im back. Brought presents too. Lets have Christmas together! Come here!
He moved to step in, but a firm hand landed on his shoulder.
Maybe next time, eh? Christmas is for family, right boys? Natalie smiled as she saw himher Kevin. Tall, steady. David shrunk under his gaze while the twins rushed to hug Uncle Kev.
Should I stay? Kevin murmured.
She shook her head, still smiling.
He herded the boys back to the lounge where the table needed setting. Like theyd already forgotten their dad.
David finally found his voice.
So this is it. Traded me for some bruiser, did you?
Didnt trade. Chose him when I was free. No ring then. Now? She wiggled her fingersthe gold band glinting.
You begged me to come back!
A year and a half ago, David. My lifes different now. And youre not in it. Merry Christmas.
She shut the door, locked it, took a deep breath, and walked into the warm, bright flatwhere her boys and the man she loved were waiting.
