My Husband’s “Childhood Friend” Kept Calling for Help Until I Finally Had to Step In: How I Protecte…

Sam, please, youve got to help! The kitchens flooding, waters pouring everywhere, Im going to soak the flat downstairs and you know what the nightmare neighbour is likeshell have my head! Im shaking, honestly, I cant even find the stopcock! The voice coming from the phone was so shrill that even though Sam didnt have it on speaker, Olivia could hear every word from across the table.

Olivia slowly set her fork down on the plate with a clatter that echoed around their cosy kitchen. It felt like the bell before another round of a fight shed been having for three years. Opposite her, her husband Sam was nervously biting his lip, glancing between the rapidly cooling shepherds pie and the glowing phone.

Emily, try to calm down, he mumbled into the receiver. Which valve are you looking for? Under the sink or in the loo? Try turning off the main supply if you can.

I dont know where it is, Sam! Please, beg you, just come round! Im terrified its boiling water, and Im here on my own, I cant cope!

Sam looked up at Olivia with that same pleading, slightly guilty look shed come to know all too well lately.

Liv, you heard that, didnt you? Itll flood the whole place. Ems hopeless with this stuff, you know shes like a child sometimes. I really should pop over.

Of course you should, Olivia replied evenly, keeping her stormy feelings off her face. Its not like its our anniversary tonight, not like we spent two weeks planning this evening or Ive been cooking for hours. No, please, go and rescue Emily. Lord knows she cant manage without you.

Oh, come on, not this again, Sam protested, grabbing his car keys in a panic. Weve known each other since we were kids. Shes having a crisis, I wont be long. Ill sort it out and be straight back. Put dinner in the oven so it doesnt get cold, will you?

The front door banged behind him. Olivia was left alone, the scent of the special dinner shed prepared filling the flat along with a bitter taste in her mouth. She drifted to the window and watched as Sams car whipped away into the night.

Emily. That name was like the unwanted third wheel in their marriage. Sams childhood friend, classmate, just one of the ladshe had a hundred ways to describe her. Shed popped back into the picture out of nowhere after her divorce and since then had been taking up more and more space in their lives. At first it was the occasional could you help me shift these boxes? or can you have a look at my computer? And Sam, kind-hearted and always up for lending a hand, of course said yes.

But, as these favours became more frequent, so did Emilys emergencies. Flat tyre on the motorway, shelf collapsed in the bathroom, emergency flat-pack assembly required because Ive nowhere to hang my things. And, like clockwork, all these disasters seemed to erupt exactly when Olivia and Sam already had plans.

Olivia wasnt the jealous type; she got that people needed their friends. But her instincts kept telling her this wasnt just a case of broken pipes. Emily was glamorous, well put-together, with that look women sometimes use when they want something. She played the damsel routine to perfection, and Sam would puff up his chest, keen to be the hero.

Dinner went into the fridge. Olivia wasnt hungry anymore. Sam rolled in three hours later, filthy but awfully pleased with himself.

Blimey, that was a close one. Pipes nearly burst. Had to dash to the twenty-four hour shop for washers. Poor Em was in bits, sipping rescue remedy and shaking.

Did she at least make you a cuppa, hero? Olivia quipped, eyes glued to her book.

She did, and gave me a slice of cakeapple, I think. She says sorry for spoiling our plans, and sends her best.

Oho, Olivia thought. So while she was supposedly panicking and couldnt find the shutoff valve, she had time to bake a cake in the oven?

She said nothing. Arguing would only make Sam defensive; he always accused her of being cold and unreasonable. Time to try a different tack. Next time Emily called in distress, Olivia would be there too.

She didnt have to wait long. That Saturday morning, they were all set for a day at the countryside cottage. The weather was perfect, picnic supplies packed, and Olivia pictured them on the patio with a glass of wine. As Sam loaded the boot, his phone rangthe ringtone hed set for Emily.

Yes, Em? Sparking? Whats sparking? You smell burning? OK, dont touch anything, turn the main fuse offyeah, Ill be over in a tick. He hung up, looking sheepish.

Its the fuse box. She reckons its sparking and the whole flat reeks. Can’t get an electrician on a weekend for love nor money.

Right, Olivia calmly set down her tray of petunias. So, trip to the countrysides off?

Not off, just delayed. I’ll just nip round, quick fixif its nothing, well be back on the road before you know it.

Im coming with you, said Olivia.

Sam stared. Why? Not much you can do, Liv. Best you stay here, Ill be right back.

No, Sam. Were going together. Its on the way, you fix it, and then we carry on. Besides, I havent seen Em in ages, would be nice to say hi.

He fidgeted, but couldnt protest. They both got in the car. Sam drummed on the steering wheel the whole drive, Olivia sitting quietly, collected on the outside but high-tension inside.

Emily opened the door in a silk dressing gown barely brushing her knees, hair and make-up flawless. When she clocked Olivia getting out too, her face flickered for a beat but she mustered a bright smile.

Olivia! You caught me looking frightfuldistraught and all over the place! Come in, please. Sam, youre a lifesaver, honestly.

Sam went to check out the fuse box, screwdriver in hand, while Emily chirped at Olivia, Lets pop to the kitchen, have a coffee while the men sort things.

I think Ill stay here, Olivia replied firmly. Never know, Sam might need a spare handa torch or something.

Emily giggled, A torch? Dont be daft, Sams practically a pro at this. He could fix it with his eyes closed.

Emily, Olivia said, locking eyes, Why didnt you call your building manager? Theyve got emergency electricians.

Oh, but theyre so rude! Besides, you never know what sort of state theyll leave the flat in. Sams someone I trust.

Well, today, Sams golden hands were supposed to be barbecuing. We were going to the cottage.

Oh goodness, Im always ruining things for you! Its just so hard, Liv, being on my owneverything falls apart. Lucky you, having someone to rely on.

Sam finished up in fifteen minutes. Just a loose connection, bit burned. Fixed it for now, but youll need a new fuse at some point, Em.

Oh, Sam, could you possibly pick the right one for me next week and fit it? Ill pay you.

Sam cant, Olivia cut in. Were busycottage today, theatre next weekend. Call an electrician, EmSam can write down the model for you.

Emily shot her a venomous look, but turned back to Sam, Well, at least let me give you coffee, I bought your favourite éclairs!

Were ok, Olivia said crisply, linking arms with Sam. Busy schedule.

As they left the building, Sam began to defend Emily, You couldve been a bit less harsh, Liv. She was just asking for help.

Oh, come off itshe doesnt just want help, she wants your attention. That little getup, the fluttery eyesshe doesnt want a fuse fixed, Sam.

Give over! Weve known each other forever, Im like a brother

Exactly. One whos conveniently good with his hands and always at her beck and call.

They did make it to the cottage, but the whole incident hung in the air. Olivia knew Emily wouldnt give up easilythere was too much satisfaction in getting what she wanted.

The showdown came two weeks later. Sam was away for work and due back Friday. Olivia had a nice dinner lined up when Sam rang: Sorry, Liv, Ill be late. Emilys in a state. She bought a curtain pole and dropped it on her footbig bruise, cant walk, wants me to pop round and move it, maybe grab some gel from Boots.

Olivia took a long breath.

Sam, go home. Ill see to Emily.

You? No need

Yes need. Ill know what to buy, and I can give her a hand. You go relax.

Alright then, as long as you dont fight! Shes in enough pain as it is.

Olivia hung up and got busy. She didnt go to play nurseshe was fixing the bigger problem.

She went online, booked a Handyman for an Hour, picked the most no-nonsense looking bloke, then ordered painkillers and a bandage to Emilys address.

When Olivia arrived at Emilys block, the pharmacy delivery was just ringing the doorbell. Olivia took the bag and let herself indoor unsurprisingly unlocked.

A half-lit lounge, candles, wine, two glasses. Emily, limp on the sofa in her silk robe, one leg perched up; the curtain pole laid out on the floor as if staged.

Andy, is that you? Emily called out in her most woeful voice. Did you get the gel?

Olivia flicked on the main light, banishing all candle-lit illusions.

Emily sat bolt upright, all traces of the limp gone. Olivia? What are you doing here? Wheres Sam?

Sams at home. I brought your medicine and help.

What help? Emily blinked rapidly, panic showing. But I needed Sam. He can move the curtain polethe handyman will ruin the wall!

A pros coming, Olivia replied, just as the doorbell sounded. It was the handyman, toolbox in hand.

Right, curtain pole job? he rumbled. Wheres it going, then?

Emily flushed bright red, glaring at Olivia.

Olivia smiled calmly, Handyman will sort you out, Emily. Invoice paid, Sams busy. Heres the medicine. And next time you need a mans help? Book one. Sams off-duty from now on.

Emily scrambled up, forgetting her foot, seething. You you had no right! Samll get fed up with your bossiness. All seriousness, no fun!

Maybe, Olivia shrugged. But he comes home to me. Find your own man, Em. Youre better than this. Or are you?

Get out! Emily screeched.

Im going. Once the jobs done, thats it. Take care of yourself, Emily. Watch that limpits almost convincing.

Back home, Sam looked nervous. Hows Emilys foot?

Olivia poured herself a tea and smiled gently. Shell live. Handyman sorted the curtain pole. She was up and about fine.

You got a handyman?

She nodded. Sam, can we talk? You honestly didnt see what she was doing? The candles, wine, calling you when I wasnt around?

Sam flushed. I suppose, deep down, I knew. But shes always been lonely, I felt bad saying no. I thought if I just pretended not to notice

She was taking the mick, love. Every time you rush out, who do you leave behind? Me. I saw what I needed to see tonight. She was waiting for you, not a repair job.

He looked ashamed. Im sorry, Liv. I was thick.

A bit, she smiled. But good-hearted. I love you. But from now on, Emily gets a handyman, not my husband. Agreed?

He squeezed her hand, determined. Absolutely. Shes not calling me out again.

Emily never called again. Not after a week, not after a month. Her pride, or what remained, kept her well away.

Six months later, Olivia saw her in John Lewis, arm in arm with a well-dressed chap burdened with Liberty bags. They locked eyes. Emily tossed her head and swept past as if Olivia was invisible.

Good for her, Olivia thought. She finally found someone to hang curtain poles without all the drama. As for Olivia and Sam, they finally had peace and their evenings backif they decided to head to the countryside, nothing and no one interrupted.

Family boundaries, Olivia realised, are worth guarding, even when the intruder is playing the helpless card. And honestly, it felt good knowing shed handled it her own English waydecisive, polite, and without a single screaming match.

If this rang true for you, or youve seen a friend navigate something similar, drop me a message. Family is family, after all, and sometimes you have to remind the world of your boundaries, even if it means hiring a handyman instead.