I still recall the day my sister called me over, and then, as if in a sudden storm, turned her back on me.
I told you get out of my house at once! Victoria Hartley stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her voice ringing with fury.
Whats come over you? Lily Hartley asked, bewildered. You invited me, you asked me to stay while
Ive changed my mind! Victoria snapped. Enough! Pack your things and be gone!
Lily glanced at the suitcase by the settee. She had arrived only three hours earlier and hadnt even managed to unpack properly.
Victoria, at least tell me why, Lily tried to keep her tone even, though her voice trembled.
Nothing happened. I simply dont want you here. I thought I could bear your presence, but I cant. Pack up. Ill call a cab for you, if thats what you need.
Lily shuffled to the sofa, took the bag, her hands clumsy, a lump lodged in her throat. It had been nearly two years since they had seen each other, since Mothers funeral. Then a warm telephone invitation from Victoria, a promise of shelter while her flat was being refurbished and now she was being thrown out without an explanation.
Ill be quick, Lily whispered, fighting back tears.
Victoria tapped her fingers nervously against the doorframe, watching Lily pull out the few belongings she could reach. Her face remained an unreadable mask; only the faint lines at the corners of her mouth betrayed the tension.
Lily halted in the doorway, studying her sister. They shared the same hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones and stubborn chin. Yet Victoria now seemed a stranger.
Farewell, Lily said, stepping over the threshold.
Farewell, Victoria echoed, slamming the door.
Lily descended the staircase slowly. In her mind swirled fragments of their last phone call a week before.
Lily, come over, Victorias voice had sounded unusually soft. Stay with me while the work at your flat finishes. Weve been at odds for too long, havent we?
Are you sure? Lily had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Come on! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to end them. Arrive this Saturday, Ill meet you.
And so it was. Standing on the pavement with her suitcase, Lily tried to piece together what had changed in those three short hours. Victoria had welcomed her, set a table, asked about her life then vanished to another room, supposedly to take a call. When she returned, it was as if a different person stood there.
Her phone buzzed. A message from Victoria: The cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait by the entrance. Lily sighed, stepped out into the drizzle that had begun to fall. She set her bag down, pulled the phone out, and frantically thought where to go next.
The only option was Paul Thompson an old schoolmate they’d been speaking with lately. He lived alone in a twobedroom flat and would surely let her stay a few days while she sorted things out.
Hello, Paul? Lily said when he answered. Im in a bit of a bind
Paul listened without interruption and, after a moment, read out his address.
Ill be waiting. Dont worry, he said, his calm tone easing her a little.
In the cab Lily finally let the tears flow. Anger scorched her heart. What had she done to deserve such treatment? Had old grievances festered so deeply that Victoria could no longer stand her sisters presence for even a few hours?
Lily remembered the fight after their mothers death over the inheritance. Victoria wanted to sell the family house and split the proceeds; Lily insisted on keeping the home, its walls holding too many memories. In the end Lily bought Victorias share, incurred debts, and held onto the house. Perhaps Victoria still harboured resentment.
The cab pulled up outside Pauls place. Lily handed over the fare and stepped out. Paul was already there, smiling as he took her bag.
No need for that grim face, he said, ushering her in. Well get you sorted.
His flat was warm and cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as Lily recounted everything.
Something feels off, Paul mused after she finished. Victoria didnt call you here for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing unusual, Lily shrugged. We had tea, chatted about work, about a seaside trip shed taken last month. Then she went to another room when her phone rang, came back angry.
Did she say why she left that room? Paul asked. What was the conversation about?
Lily thought. I didnt hear; she spoke quietly. But when she returned she started asking how long I intended to stay, even though wed agreed on a fortnight while the work at my flat finished.
Whos doing the work? Paul pressed.
The crew Victoria recommended friends of her exhusband, she said they were good and cheap, Lily said with a bitter smile.
Pauls brow furrowed.
Have you checked how the works progressing?
No. I trusted them. I have the keys but havent been in a week since they started. I planned to drop by in a few days.
Lets go now, Paul suggested. I have a bad feeling.
Its late
Thats why. If everythings fine well go back; if not at least well know.
Half an hour later they were driving to Lilys flat. All the way Lily was on edge, wondering what could have gone wrong.
She reached the landing and heard muffled voices and the scrape of furniture from inside. Someones in there, she whispered, frozen.
Paul took the keys from her and opened the door. Boxes and bags littered the hallway. In the living room, amidst the chaos, Victoria stood explaining something to two burly movers shifting a wardrobe.
Whats happening? Lily demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Victoria flinched, surprise flashing across her face before turning to irritation.
Lily? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats going on in my flat?
Victoria adjusted her hair nervously.
I can explain
I hope so, Lily replied, crossing her arms just as she had done at Victorias doorway hours before.
Victoria glanced at the movers, who paused uncertainly.
Gentlemen, a break, please, she said, and they stepped out, relieved.
Im waiting, Lily reminded.
Victoria sighed heavily and sank onto the settee.
Im getting divorced from 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 a fake renovation, then moved in yourself? Lily snapped, disbelief plain on her face.
Not exactly, Victoria murmured, eyes averted. I really wanted to make peace. I thought we could live together for a while, mend things but then I realised I couldnt. Too many hurts piled up between us, Lily.
And thats why you tried to steal my home? Lilys hands shook with anger. Kick me out of my own house?
Id have explained everything later! Victoria raised her voice. Its just that I have nowhere else. Your friends, the workers, could have let me stay
Which workers? Lily interrupted. Theres no renovation here!
Exactly, Victoria admitted with a grimace. I invented it to get you to come. I hoped youd hand over the place temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Stubborn? Youre the one manipulating your own sister, lying, trying to evict me from my home! Whats happened to you, Victoria?
Victoria sprang up, her face twisted with fury.
Its you! Youve always been Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now the flat If wed sold it back then I could have bought my own place and not been dependent on Ian all these years!
So this is about the house, Lily said softly. You never forgave me for fighting to keep Mums home. I did pay you your share, though it took time.
Its not the money! Victoria shouted. Its that you never cared about my feelings! You only thought of yourself!
That isnt true, Lily shook her head. Ive always looked out for you. Im still trying, giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Victoria asked warily.
You have a choice. Either you pack up and leave my flat right now, or I call the police and report unlawful entry.
Paul, who had been silent, stepped forward.
Lily, perhaps a compromise? You are sisters, after all
No, Lily replied firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Victoria, decide leave now or Ill involve the constabulary.
Victoria stared at her with hatred, but Lilys determined gaze broke her resolve.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this ends here, Victoria spat, gathering her things.
An hour later the door slammed shut. Lily sank onto the sofa, hollow and weary.
Would you like to stay with me? Paul asked quietly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, she answered. I could use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Victorias going through a rough patch a divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her, but it explains a bit.
Perhaps, Lily sighed. Im just tired of the endless fighting. She always thinks Ive had it easy, yet she forgets the grief we share. When Mum died, I clung to that house; it was the last thread connecting me to her.
I understand, Paul squeezed her hand. Everyone mourns differently. For Victoria, maybe its a way to dodge painful memories.
Lily fell silent, gathering her thoughts.
After Mums death, I was devastated. We should have supported each other, but we drifted apart. She pushed for selling the house as if it were the most important thing For me, that home was my anchor.
I get that, Paul replied. But deceiving you, driving you out thats too far. I dont know if I can ever forgive her fully.
Give yourself time, and her too. When the anger cools, perhaps youll both be able to talk calmly, Paul advised.
Maybe, Lily murmured. But first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sat together in the dimming light, the house growing quiet as the evening deepened. The sister who had once been a confidante now felt almost an enemy, while an old schoolfriend proved more reliable than blood.
Thank you, Lily finally said, breaking the hush. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinking perhaps we could go to the cinema this weekend, or just take a walk in the park?
Lilys face brightened.
Id like that.
A week later Lilys phone rang. It was Victoria. Her finger hovered over the endcall button, then she answered.
Hello? Victorias voice sounded uncertain. Lily, we need to talk.
About what? Lily asked coolly.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im truly sorry.
Lily stayed silent, unsure how to reply.
Im in a difficult spot, Victoria continued, but that doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you that way.
You shouldnt have, Lily agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Victorias voice trembled. I hope one day you can forgive me. We are still sisters, after all.
Lily inhaled deeply.
I dont know, Victoria. I need time.
Of course, Victoria hurried. Take all the time you need. Just know I really am sorry.
After the call Lily stared out the window, the memory of their mothers house weighing heavy in her mind. Though Victoria was flawed, she was still familythe last close person left after Mums passing. Perhaps, with time, forgiveness could be found, but not today. Lily needed to mend her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Paul: How about the park tomorrow? Looks like a fine day. Lily smiled and typed back, With pleasure.
Life went on, despite everything. Perhaps someday the sisters would reconcile, but for now the priority was to cherish those who genuinely stood by you in a crisis and to let go of toxic ties, even if they were bound by blood. One day I know Lily will speak with Victoria again, but until then she lives her own life, learning to trust and to be happy once more.
