I Promise to Make Everything Right Again

Ill give everything back, I swear it, Eleanor whispered, her voice trembling as if caught in a fog of tears.

Eleanor, I cant help you at all, Victoria said, trying to keep her tone calm, though a storm of irritation roiled inside her. She stood in the middle of the livingroom, shifting from foot to foot with a sour expression.

How can you not? Eleanor wailed, the sound cracking, and a thin line of water traced down her cheek. Tomorrow I have the most important interview for a job! Its its vital! And I have nothing suitable to wear!

Victoria sighed wearily. Eleanor always seemed to know the exact moment to turn a conversation into a tide of sobs.

You have a whole wardrobe, by the way, Victoria noted dryly.

But nothing that fits the occasion! Eleanor sniffed, wiping her nose with her sleeve. I need to look serious and elegant, not like a schoolgirl in old jeans and Tshirts!

Eleanors cries grew louder, her voice shaking with a feigned desperation. She pressed her palms to her chest as if praying.

If I dont get that job Ill be penniless! Its a brilliant offer, and Ill never find anything else worthwhile! she cried.

Eleanor, whats happening? Michael stepped into the room, hearing his sisters wails.

Victoria felt a knot tighten. Now the sisterinlaw would have an ally.

Mike, can you believe it? Eleanor turned to Michael, eyes wide. I have an interview tomorrow and Victoria wont lend me any clothes! What a miser you have!

Michael frowned at his wife, bewildered.

Victoria, were family. Isnt it hard to share a few things? he asked.

Its my personal property, Victoria began, but Michael cut her off. Whats wrong with you? My sister asks for help in a tight spot, and you act like a miser.

Eleanor dabbed at her tears, gratitude shining in her gaze at Michael. Victoria pressed her lips together, feeling the crushing pressure from both sides.

Please, please, the sisterinlaw begged, her voice thin as a reed. Ill be very careful, I wont ruin anything. I swear Ill return everything in perfect condition!

Michael nodded, supporting his sister.

Of course shell return it. Its just clothes, after all.

Victoria realized resistance was futile. Under the double onslaught she finally gave in.

Fine, take them, she said through clenched teeth, and stalked toward the bedroom.

At the wardrobe she paused, eyes drifting over her own garments. A hand reached for a darkblue trouser suitsomething shed bought for special occasions and worn only twice.

She carried the suit back, draped on a hanger, and handed it to Eleanor, who clutched it like a treasure.

Look at this! Its gorgeous! Thank you! Ill feel like a queen or like Princess Diana, she exclaimed, eyes sparkling.

But in an instant her face shifted.

Shoes, too. This suit needs proper shoes.

Eleanor began to protest, Victoria

And some jewellery would help, Eleanor continued, ignoring Victorias tone. And a handbag! You need an elegant bag or the whole look will fall apart!

Her points right, Michael chimed in. You cant go to an interview in trainers.

Victorias fists tightened. Eleanors audacity knew no bounds, and Michael seemed blind to it.

Alright, Victoria said, and slipped back to the bedroom.

From the shoe compartment she pulled out black pumps with modest heels, opened a jewellery box and selected simple pearl earrings with tiny pendants, then fetched a small black leather clutch from the hallway.

Here, thats everything you need. Underwear youll manage that, I suppose? she snapped, handing over the remaining items.

Ah, youre a lifesaver! Eleanor clapped delightedly, ignoring the sting of the remark. Ill return everything in perfect shape, I promise!

She gathered the items in a frantic heap and headed for the door, as if fearing Victoria might change her mind.

Thanks again, Eleanor called from the doorway and vanished.

Michael embraced Victorias shoulders. See how happy she was? Why did you resist such a simple request? Whats the worst that could happen to your suit? It wont be eaten.

I just dont like sharing personal things with strangers, Victoria replied honestly.

Strangers? Shes my sister, not some girl off the street, Michael protested.

To me shes a stranger, and you know that well, Victoria said.

Michael shook his head and trudged to the kitchen, muttering about womens meddling.

A week passed. Victoria tried several times to call Eleanor, always postponing the conversation. At last her patience snapped.

Hello, Eleanor? When will you return my things?

A disgruntled snort crackled on the other end.

Um hi, Vicky. Listen, something unfortunate happened Eleanor stammered.

What kind of misfortune? Victoria asked, wary.

Well I accidentally spilled coffee on the suit, Eleanor blurted. Theres a stain now I tried to clean it but nothing works. And the bag? Someone snatched it right out of my hands on the street! The shoes the heel broke when I chased the thief! Ill send the earrings later, okay?

Victorias mouth went dry. Youre kidding, right? All of them at once?

Sorry, Vicky, I have an urgent call! Lets talk later, Eleanor cut in and hung up.

Victoria stared at the phone, stunned. Eleanors fabrications were fantastical, yet there was no proof she could muster.

A month later Eleanor appeared on their doorstep, looking even more pitiful.

Victoria, help! I have a corporate event and nothing to wear! she wailed.

Youre as cheap as a penny, you know, Victoria retorted coldly. Bold confidence after the last debacle? I wont give you anything.

Please! I promise Ill be extra careful this time! Eleanor begged.

No, dont ask again, Victoria snapped, slamming the door in the bewildered sisterinlaws face.

That evening Michael came home in a sour mood.

What have you done? he lunged at Victoria. Eleanor called, crying! How could you treat her like that?

I could have, Victoria replied calmly. Im done lending her my clothes.

Youre sorry for some bits of fabric? She asked for help!

My sister ruined my expensive suit and the rest of my things! Michael protested.

Well just buy you a new one, Victoria said dryly.

At your salary? she added sharply.

Michael looked offended but didnt back down.

Youre just jealous of Eleanor! Shes young, pretty she makes your clothes look better on her! he snapped.

Ah, thats how you speak now! Go to your lovely sister, shes apparently dearer than me! Victoria shouted.

They argued long into the night, but Victoria held her ground.

A few days later she returned home early from work. The bedroom doors flung open, the wardrobe interior strewn across the bed, hangers tangled with clothing.

With trembling hands Victoria began gathering her belongings. It quickly became clear that her favourite burgundy evening dress, a pair of new heeled pumps, gold sapphire earrings, and a tiny pearlclasp clutch were missing.

She dialed Michaels number at once.

Mike, whats happened? Did you ransack our wardrobe? Where are my things?

Oh, Eleanor was here, Michael answered calmly. I let her take whatever she liked. Shell bring everything back tomorrow.

Youve lost your mind! Victoria shrieked.

Whats the problem? You refused to share, so she took what she wanted. Shell return it tomorrow, I promise.

Victoria hung up, snatched her car keys, and sped to Eleanors flat faster than any London cab could manage.

When Eleanor opened the door, her face was startled.

Vicky

Where are my things? Victoria snapped, teeth clenched.

What things? I didnt take anything, Eleanor replied, feigning innocence.

Victoria shoved her aside and stormed into the apartment. In Eleanors bedroom she threw open the wardrobe and froze.

On a hanger hung the very stained trouser suit, flawless as ever. Beside it lay the broken heels, pristine, and the stolen clutch sat on the shelf untouched. New items Eleanor had just taken were also there.

You lied! Victoria whispered, disbelief swelling. Nothing was ruined or stolen! I knew it!

Eleanor lunged for the door, but Victoria blocked her.

Stop! Explain why you lied!

I I didnt want to give them back, Eleanor stammered. I liked them so much

Youre a brazen thief! Victoria erupted, pulling Eleanors belongings from the wardrobe.

Dont insult me! Eleanor shouted. I owe you nothing!

You owe me everything! Victoria snarled. If you ever touch my things again, youll have me and your brother to answer to. Understand?

Victoria hoisted the bag of her possessions and headed for the exit.

Remember, Im not calling the police right now! she warned.

Michael waited at the door, eyes wide.

Vicky, Eleanor called, sobbing saying you insulted her, threatened her

I insulted? Shes the one who stole from me! Victoria retorted, setting the suitcase down. She shouldve been slapped. She swiped my clothes and lied about ruined items!

She brandished the suit, showing the spotless fabric, and the shoes, still intact.

Michael fell silent, staring at the flawless items.

Mike, hear me once and for all, Victoria said firmly. If your sister ever pulls a stunt like this again, Im out. Decide what matters more: our marriage or the whims of this audacious thief.

Michaels face turned pale. The resolve in Victorias voice left no room for argument.

I I didnt know she was lying, he muttered.

Now you know. And let it be clear: no one touches my property without my permission. Its mine, not a communal pool for relatives.

Michael nodded, eyes fixed on the floor. Victoria cared little for Eleanors wounded pride. Let her buy new clothes with her own money.