Maria, You’re Not Staying Home! Why Should I Drag You Everywhere Just Because We’re Married? Alexand…

Claire, why dont you just stay at home? Do I really have to drag you along everywhere just because were married? I muttered, straightening my tie in front of the mirror. I dont think she even heard me. She was busy packing for our trip to the cottage with friends, ticking off items on her list like the good hostess she always tried to be. But everything felt a bit off today.

As I walked into the hallway, I caught sight of Claire staring at me, baffled. I was wearing my crisp white linen shirt, the sort I rarely brought out except for special occasions.

Will, what on earth are you dressed up for? Im not scrubbing barbecue stains out of that shirt, just so you know, she said, amused but shaking her head. Grab the bags, will you? Im just going to change into my dress and well be off.

I looked at the hefty bags of food shed lined up for me and groaned.

Whats all this? I asked with no small amount of dread, reluctantly picking them up.

Oh, come on, Will! Were going to the cottage. And Lucy may be my friend, but you know her cooking is dreadful. I brought new potatoes, salad, a chicken pie If Paul fancies eating whatever concoction Lucys made, let him, but Im not phoning an ambulance for you, okay?

I scowled and shook my head.

Actually, love, how about you skip today and just stay in? Cook something light, or better yet, go for a run in the park. I mean, youve been working from home so much lately, youre starting to look a bit comfortable, if you know what I mean. Ill pop over to James for five minutes and Ill be right back.

Youre going on your own? she said, as I made a slightly exasperated noise.

Didnt want to tell you, but James and Lucy, well, theyve split up. James fancied a bit of excitement, apparently. Hes seeing someone else now. I didnt even want to go, but he begged me to help with the barbecue. Says no one does it like me, and hes right. I grinned at myself, shoving the bags away.

The news left Claire stunned. She and Lucy had always got along, but lately Claire had been caught up sorting out the flat shed owned before we married. Tenants had trashed the place and disappeared, and she was thinking of selling.

She barely had time to see Lucy anymore, much less for a good chinwag. Never would she have thought Paul and Lucys perfect marriage would fall apart so suddenly.

Honestly! So, now some glossy floozys running the show and thats why you dont want me coming? she muttered.

Theres no floozy, Claire. Shes probably quite normal. Like you, really. But honestly, youre better off at home, darling. You and Lucy can get together later for a gossip, I promise. I tried to charm her into acquiescence.

But she was having none of it. Whether out of solidarity for her friend or sheer curiosity, she insisted on coming.

****

The drive half vanished in a blur of my muttered complaints about the traffic and other drivers. Claire was glued to her phone, messaging the letting agent about her flat.

Hows it coming along? I asked, keeping an eye on her.

Oh, you mean the flat? Nothing yet. One couple want to move in the day after their deposit clears, another wants new furniture and work done. And you know what a state its in, she sighed.

Moneys no problem for the repairs, I said airily.

I want a seaside holiday. Think we could manage it this year? she asked.

You have to choose: either a new kitchen, or the seaside! And besides, Ive got work! I cant just jet off, Claire.

Claire told me her neighbour had suggested letting the place to her daughter and husband. I immediately dismissed it sounded pointless to me.

They wont pay, Claire! Best to fix it up, sell up, and let me handle the money. Honestly, I shouldve sorted it myself! Youre too soft; if the first buyer tries to knock you down, well end up losing the lot!

Our flat? she challenged.

Thats right. Ours. Were a team, arent we?

We got to the cottage and James was waiting at the gate, looking slightly more chuffed with himself than usual. Dressed in a designer t-shirt stretched over his beer belly and fashionably ripped jeans nothing like what he ever wore with Lucy.

Claire, come on, dont stand there like a stranger! James laughed, giving her an enormous hug. Youve brought far too much! My new girlfriends already ordered everything in from the Italian. Why fuss?

We piled into the garden. The usual suspects were gone, replaced by unfamiliar faces and a decidedly raucous air. When we reached the gazebo, Claire paused. The new woman tall, with an impressive tan and enough blonde extensions to stock a salon was giggling with a friend by the pool. This was no Lucy.

The food on the table was little more than pizza boxes and a few tubs of chips. Claire rolled her eyes Lucy would faint if she could see this! but said nothing.

Well, lets introduce everyone, shall we? James boomed. This is Claire, Wills wife. Bit of a freelancer these days so, basically unemployed, he joked, clearly embarrassing her. And the love of my life, my queen, Angela. And her mate, Daisy.

He didnt bother introducing me an omission Claire clocked instantly.

Angelas a beautician, James said, positively glowing with pride.

Angela flashed a bright smile. Can do you a deal on facials if youd like, she said.

Claire looked a little lost, sandwiched between two women in beach wraps and dripping with attitude.

I rolled up my sleeves and took charge of the barbecue while Claire sat awkwardly at the table.

Come on, Claire, have a natter! Daisys a hairdresser she can finally sort out Wills haircut, James needled.

Angela batted her lashes at me. Handsome chap! Daisys already offered to sort him out.

The pair turned to Claire. Care to join us for a swim? they asked, smirking. Claire declined.

No, thanks. James, you really ought to have said who was here. I wouldnt have come if Id have known itd be like this. Lucy always

Oh, stop going on about that bore! James snapped. Angela and Daisy are fine, and youre being plain rude!

Fine? She basically called me a frump and offered me a discount on Botox! And Daisys been drooling over my husband! For your information, Wills too tight to splash out at your place. Our neighbour trims his hair for free, and he likes it that way! Claire shot back and hurried over to me.

I pretended not to notice the brewing row, but couldnt help grinning at the chaos.

Will, take me home, Claire demanded, breathless.

What? Were having a good time here, I tried, but she shook her head.

It was nice with Lucy, not this. This is ridiculous!

Your wifes knackered, Will. Take her home! James waved me off and wandered back to his new friends.

I took Claires arm and tried to calm her down. Claire, what was that? Youve spent so long working from home youve forgotten how to be civil, I sighed. Why not head back, ring your mum or something? Ill get you a cab.

Red with anger, Claire stormed off. Angela and Daisys laughter followed her down the drive. Maybe they werent mocking her directly, but she took it to heart.

One last row: Cant I just have a night without your moaning? Were both worn out, Claire. Youre turning into a right nag lately!

And you want someone young, like James? Is that it? Why didnt you tell me you already knew these two?

Because I didnt want to! Fine, I was out with Angela, James, and Daisy last week. So what? I snapped.

Claire glared at me. No need to come home tonight, Will, she spat, and in her rage, threw the last of the barbecue marinade from her cup over my spotless shirt. It was ruined.

She stormed out, and headed to the bus stop. As she walked, she called Lucy to see how she was.

What do you want? Lucy barked.

Lucy, its Claire are you all right?

Dont call me! Not you or your Will! Heyou Lucy was soon in tears.

Sensing something was really up, Claire pressed for answers.

Your husband introduced that blonde to James! Now hes gone off with her. Left me because of your meddling husband! Dont say you didnt know.

Claire didnt know. Lucy explained that Id turned up with Angela, and thats how it all started too much chatting, too much help, and then a full-blown affair.

The women made up after the call, but the sting remained. Claire could see now that I had other interests, and she wasnt sure she could accept it.

****

She took a taxi to her mums little house on the edge of town, where our sons had been spending the summer holidays with their gran.

Claire, whats happened? Is everything all right? her mum, Mary, fussed when she arrived late.

I just need a break from Will. We havent even taken the boys anywhere this summer. Why should I be the one to wait around? Claire said, half-resentful.

Claire, youre married. How will it look, you taking the kids off without him? Mary protested gently.

Ill go perfectly well. He does as he pleases, so why shouldnt I? Claire poured tea and unloaded everything to her mum the fight, Angela, the ruined evening.

Fresh excitement, Mum! Hes swanning her around cafés while Im stuck at home with the kids. Well, Im off on holiday with the boys. We were saving for repairs on my flat, but that can wait. Things have changed.

Mary agreed but asked her not to make any rash decisions, for the boys sake.

Their chat was interrupted by the childrens noisy arrival.

Mum! What are you doing here? our younger son gasped.

Im here for you lot, Claire smiled.

We dont want to go home! they chorused.

Well go home, then well head to Aunt Lindas at the seaside, Claire promised, hugging them tightly.

The whole business with James barbecue shook Claire up. She realised our marriage was on the rocks, that Id grown distant, set in my ways, while she ground away at work and the kids and the house. Shed always let me have the final word, but now she saw how thoroughly Id dominated; my priorities always came first, not the familys.

Hes lied to me today; whats to stop him, like James, leaving me high and dry and snatching my flat, too? With a deep breath and new resolve, Claire texted her neighbour and let the flat to her daughter the very next day. She felt vindicated, for once.

****

I spent that night at my mothers flat, sulking about the ruined evening and the waste of a good shirt. I tried ringing Claire, but she ignored me, just as I expected.

Sulking like a queen, I grumbled to myself, scrubbing at the marinade stains.

Three days later, out of sorts, I returned to our flat, only to find it eerily silent, empty, and with the fridge and cupboards cleaned out. Claires phone rang and rang before I finally got through only to our eldest, Ben.

Mums not here, Dad, he said.

Where are you? At grans?

No, were at Aunt Lindas, by the sea. Mums out for a swim.

When are you coming back?

Dunno. Mums on holiday from work. She hasnt said. Ive got to go! he said cheerfully, hanging up.

I was left listening to the dial tone.

****

A week at the seaside did wonders for Claire and the boys. They came home brown and beaming. I was waiting, brooding and hungry for more than just decent food.

I was furious not because shed spent family money on a break, but because there was something more. Something I simply couldnt get past.

Claire breezed past me, ignoring my attempt at a greeting, and started unpacking.

The boys grabbed the leftover pasties Id been subsisting on from my mum.

Once the boys had gone, I confronted her. Anything you want to say? I demanded.

About what? she replied, much too coolly.

Wed both been brewing for a week.

We were saving for the flats repairs, not frittering it on the seaside! I snapped.

For my flat. And lets remember, you chucked in five hundred; the other five grand was mine. So She turned away, done with the conversation.

I was livid. Dont you dare turn your back! Im not a child for you to sulk at!

What about the flat, then? Anyone you want to tell me about?

I let it out to the neighbours daughter and her husband. Sorted.

For the first time, she looked at me dead on. I could see she meant every word. I was shocked at how worn she looked. She clearly hadnt missed me at all.

You were supposed to sell it! The moneys for the repairs.

Dont stress. Im not dragging you everywhere just because were married, remember? And I dont have to answer to you about everything.

That barb hit home my own words thrown back at me.

Well divide everything as the law says. Except for my pre-marriage flat, Will. Ill sell that later after the divorce.

Divorce? I wont allow it! Weve got two kids, for heavens sake! Dont be daft! I cried.

Funny you mention the boys now. Theres plenty of reason, Will. Youve been parading some woman around, and now you want to control me, too. Let Daisy wait on you I want a taste of something new, as well! Ive had enough. With that, she filed for divorce.

Splitting the flat, sharing the kids. For the first time, I had nowhere to go, nothing to eat Claire had stopped cooking, sending the boys to their grans and, pointedly, started the diet Id once suggested.

Opening the empty fridge, I realised things were serious. I tried sleeping on the balcony for a couple of nights, but the rain and cold soon drove me out. Back to Mums I went, trailing my suitcase of shame.

Mum wasnt sympathetic. She told me off for running out on my family, but I said it was Claires fault claiming shed gone off the rails while Id done nothing wrong.

Id never felt so unwanted. Claire seemed to enjoy it, always smirking when we passed in the flat.

After a week of beans on toast and hard beds at Mums, I cracked.

****

A fortnight after the infamous barbecue, I called Daisy. With my newfound freedom, I figured nothing would stop me. I fancied another go.

Her response dashed my hopes. Will, once was enough, thanks. I owe you nothing, she giggled.

She hadnt forgotten the skinflint who hadnt even bothered to send flowers after the party.

I thought youd ask me over, after all that business at the cottage. And my haircut that offer still stands, right? I tried to joke.

No, my plans have changed. If theres space, Ill let you know. Though, I heard you like your neighbours handiwork! Daisy replied, curtly ending the call.

I tried to save face, but she never rang back. Whatever Claire had said must have stuck. Id burned every bridge.

****

Looking back, I realised how long Id taken Claire for granted, how easily I dismissed her opinions, how I let routine and pride win every time. It took losing everything comfort, company, her warmth to see just how lonely arrogance could be.

Maybe, just maybe, I should have listened more, cherished better, and never, ever assumed someone would want to be dragged along just because a ring said so. Thats a mistake I wont make again.