Victoria called me over, then turned on her heel and shouted, I told you get out of my house this instant! Her voice rang with fury as she stood in the doorway, arms crossed over her chest.
Whats gotten into you? Molly asked, bewildered, looking at her sister. You invited me, you asked me to stay while.
Ive changed my mind! Victoria snapped. Enough! Pack your things and be gone!
Molly glanced at her suitcase sitting by the sofa. Shed arrived only three hours ago and hadnt even begun to unpack.
Victoria, at least tell me whats happened, Molly tried to keep her tone steady, though her voice trembled.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. I thought I could deal with you staying, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
Molly shuffled to the sofa and grabbed her bag. Her hands felt clumsy, a lump lodged in her throat. The sisters hadnt seen each other for nearly two years, not since Mums funeral. Then, out of the blue, Victoria had phoned with warm words, an invitation to crash on her couch while her flat was being refurbished and now she was shooing her away without a word of explanation.
Ill be quick, Molly whispered, fighting back tears.
Victoria tapped nervously on the doorframe, watching Molly pull out the few belongings shed managed to lift from the suitcase. Her face remained stonecold; only the tightness at the corners of her mouth betrayed the strain.
Molly paused at the threshold, stared at her sister. They looked alike the same chestnut eyes, the same high cheekbones and stubborn chin. Yet now Victoria seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Molly said, stepping over the sill.
Goodbye, Victoria echoed, slamming the door.
Molly descended the stairs slowly, replaying the last phone call theyd had a week earlier in her head.
Lily, come stay with me, Victorias voice had been unusually gentle. You can crash here while the work at your flat finishes. Its high time we mended fences, dont you think?
Are you sure? Lily had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Come off it! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to move on. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
Now, standing on the pavement with her bag, Lily tried to piece together what had changed in those three hours. Victoria had welcomed her, set a table, asked about her life then slipped into another room, supposedly to take a call. She returned, and it was as if a different woman was standing there.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Victoria: The cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance.
Lily sighed, stepped out of the building. A cold drizzle began to fall. She set her bag down, fished out her phone she needed a plan, fast.
The only option was Paul, an old schoolmate theyd been chatting with lately. He lived alone in a twobedroom flat in Manchester and would surely let her crash for a few days while she figured things out.
Hello, Paul? Lily said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a mess
Paul listened to her frantic recap and, without asking too many questions, gave her his address.
Dont worry, Ill be there, he said, his calm voice easing her nerves a little.
In the black cab she finally let the tears flow. Anger burned her heart. What had she done to deserve this treatment? Had past hurts run so deep that Victoria could no longer bear her sisters presence for a few hours?
Lily remembered the argument after Mums death over the family house. Victoria wanted to sell it and split the money, while Lily insisted on keeping the home too many memories lingered in those walls. In the end Lily bought Victorias share, went into debt, but held onto the house. Maybe Victoria still harboured resentment.
The cab pulled up outside Pauls building. Lily paid, stepped out, and Paul was already waiting.
Dont make that face, he said, taking her bag. Well sort it out.
His flat was warm and cosy. Paul brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened patiently.
You know, something feels off, Paul said after Lily finished her story. Victoria didnt call you here for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing much, Lily shrugged. We had tea, chatted She talked about her job and a holiday to Cornwall last month. Then her phone rang, she went into another room. When she came back she was angry.
Did she say why she went into that room? Paul asked. What was the conversation about?
Lily thought.
She spoke softly, but when she returned she started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed agreed on the phone that Id be there for a fortnight while the renovations finished.
Whos doing the work? Paul asked.
The crew Victoria recommended theyre acquaintances of her exhusband, supposedly good and cheap, Lily said with a bitter smile.
Paul frowned.
Did you ever check how the work was progressing?
No, I trusted them. I have the keys, but I havent been in there for a week since they started. I was going to pop in in a couple of days.
Lets go now, Paul suggested. I have a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should go. If everythings fine well head back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were pulling up to Lilys flat. She was nervous all the way, though she couldnt pinpoint why. What could have gone wrong with her flat?
Climbing the stairs to her door, Lily heard muffled voices and the scrape of furniture.
Theres someone in there, she whispered, frozen.
Paul took the keys and opened the door.
The hallway was littered with boxes and bags. In the living room, amid a chaos of belongings, Victoria was speaking to two burly movers who were dragging a wardrobe.
Whats happening? Lily gasped, trying to make sense of the scene.
Victoria flinched, then turned. Surprise flashed across her face, quickly replaced by irritation.
Lily? What are you doing here?
This is my question! Whats going on in my flat?
Victoria adjusted her hair, nervous.
I can explain
I hope so, Lily said, crossing her arms just as she had hours earlier.
Victoria glanced at the movers, who hesitated.
Guys, take a break, she said, and they stepped out, relieved.
Im waiting, Lily reminded.
Victoria let out a heavy sigh and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He threw me out of our house and I have nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something decent.
So you lured me out with the fake renovation, then moved in yourself? Lilys voice trembled with disbelief.
Not exactly, Victoria looked away. At first I really wanted to make peace. I thought we could live together for a while, rebuild things but then I realised I couldnt. Too many things have piled up between us, Lily.
So you decided to effectively steal my flat? Lilys hands shook with rage. Kick me out of my own home?
I would have explained everything later! Victoria snapped. Its just that I have nowhere else to go. Your friends, the workers, could have let you stay
What workers? Lily retorted. Theres no renovation here!
Yes, I made that up to get you to come, Victoria admitted, a grimace forming. I thought I could persuade you to hand over the place temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Im stubborn? Lily hissed. Youre the one manipulating and lying to your own sister! Trying to evict me from my house! Whats happened to you, Victoria?
Victoria jumped up, her face twisted with fury.
Whats happened to me? Youve always been Mums favourite, getting everything handed to you on a silver platter! And now the flat too If wed sold it back then, I could have bought my own place and not been dependent on Ian all these years!
So thats it, Lily said quietly. You still havent forgiven me for wanting to keep Mums house? I did buy you out, even if it took a while!
Its not about the money! Victoria shouted. Its that youve always ignored my feelings and wishes! You only think of yourself!
Thats not true, Lily shook her head. Ive always looked after you. I still do Im giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Victoria asked, wary.
You have a choice. Either you pack your things right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and file a report for unlawful entry.
Paul, who had been watching the sisters, stepped forward.
Lily, maybe theres a compromise? Youre sisters, after all
No, Lily replied firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Victoria, decide leave now or I involve the police.
Victoria stared at her with hatred, but the resolve in Lilys eyes forced her to concede.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this is over, she snapped, gathering her belongings.
An hour later Victoria slammed the door shut. Lily collapsed onto the sofa, feeling hollow and spent.
Do you want me to stay with you? Paul asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, Lily nodded. I could use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Victorias going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse what she did, but it helps explain it.
Perhaps, Lily sighed. Im just so tired of the constant clash. She always acts like Ive got it easy, when its not.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts.
My mums death was hard on me. We were close, but instead of pulling together, Victoria and I drifted apart. She pushed the idea of selling the house straight away, as if it were just a financial matter. For me that home is the last thread that ties me to Mum.
I get that, Paul squeezed her hand. Grief shows up in different ways. Maybe for Victoria its a way to dodge painful memories.
Maybe, Lily agreed. But to lie, to chase me out thats too much. I dont know if I can forgive her this time.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And her as well. When the anger cools, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, Lily whispered. But first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat in silence, each lost in thought. Outside, dusk settled over the city, and the flat, still echoing with Victorias presence, grew quiet. Lily reflected on how strange life had turned the sister who once was a confidante now felt like an almostenemy. And a former classmate turned out to be more reliable than blood.
Thanks, Lily finally said, breaking the hush. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinking maybe we could go out this weekend? A film or just a walk in the park?
Lilys eyes lit up, then she returned his smile.
Sounds perfect.
A week later Lilys phone rang. It was Victoria. Her thumb hovered over the hangup button, but she answered.
Hello? Victorias voice wavered. Lily, we need to talk.
About what? Lily asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Lily was silent, unsure how to reply.
Im in a tough spot right now, Victoria continued. That doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you like that.
You shouldnt have, Lily agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Victorias voice cracked. I hope someday you can find it in you to forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
Lily took a deep breath.
I dont know, Victoria. I need time.
Of course, Victoria replied quickly. I understand. Just know I truly regret it.
After the call Lily stared out the window, thinking about everything. Victoria, for all her flaws, was still her only close family after Mums death. Perhaps, in time, Lily could find the strength to forgive. But not now. She needed to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Paul: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like good weather.
Lily smiled and typed back: Id love that.
Life went on, despite everything. Maybe one day Lily and Victoria would rebuild their relationship, but for now the priority was to value the people who truly stood by her in hard times and to let go of toxic ties, even if they were bound by blood. She would keep moving forward, learning to trust and to be happy again.
