Mind Your Own Business

Indifference comes in many flavours, Vicky heard a woman’s voice murmur, the fragment floating through the shop. Sometimes you have to close your eyes and pretend you dont see, that it doesnt affect you at all. Other times its downright criminal.

Ah, dear, thats just philosophy, replied another female voice, chuckling.

Vicky turned toward the window, watching the houses, cars and pedestrians of Littleford rush by as the town finally shook off its sleepy fog. She felt a faint sting of annoyance at having to rely on the bus today. Mark had called the night before, saying hed be stuck at work until dawn, so why get irritated? Work was work. Colleagues had often offered her a lift, especially one young lad whod looked at her with an almost tooeager interest, but Vicky always declined. It would be unseemly for a married woman to ride around with a stranger.

She dialed her husbands number again, endured an interminable series of clicks, sighed, hung up and slipped her phone back into her handbag.

Probably busy again, she muttered, staring out the window. Hes always busy at the worst possible moments.

A queasy feeling rolled over her early pregnancy was making its presence known, and the bump in her stomach complained on the uneven road.

—

At work Vicky tried to ignore her nausea, but the shop manager, Mr. Clarke, never seemed to have a free minute. The head office was due any minute for an unannounced inspection, so there was little time to dwell on her discomfort.

Olivia, could you help Annie with the fridge? Well be swamped if we dont! Vicky snapped, pulling a whitehaired, curlyhaired clerk from the register, then sprinted off to her office.

Olivia, after making sure Vicky had vanished into the back room, leaned over to her partner, who was meticulously arranging milk cartons, and whispered, Did you hear? Vickys husband is cheating on her.

Annies eyes widened. Youre serious? Is it true?

Absolutely. I saw him leave my schoolmate Lisas house this morning, and she kissed him goodbye. Bloody shocking, right?

Then we should tell Vicky. Why are you spilling the beans to me?

Olivia laughed, twirling a finger at her temple. Are you daft, Annie? Its hardly a crime for a bloke to have a bit of fun. Besides, theyll probably split up anyway.

Annie thought for a moment. Whether they divorce or not is their call. But Vicky deserves the truth maybe its for the best; a marriage built on lies cant survive.

Olivia chuckled again, looking at Annie with a hint of disdain. Its not our business. Nice folk like you end up taking the blame.

Annie sighed and didnt argue. She felt something gnawing at her despite Olivias logic. Vicky and Annie were close practically friends. Since childhood, Annie had been taught that a bitter truth beats a sweet lie, and that harsh honesty outweighs comforting delusions.

Perhaps the shops supervisor, James, sensed something when he saw Vicky looking exhausted in the back office. He sipped his coffee, eyes halfclosed on his laptop report.

Dont worry, Vicky, he said with a smile.

Vicky waved a hand. Im not worried. Mark wont pick up, so Im just nervous.

James fell silent. Hed liked Vicky from the start, when hed first been hired as a sales assistant before being promoted to supervisor for his quick mind and work ethic.

Maybe hes busy, James offered. I dont want to meddle in anyones personal life, though Ive noticed Marks been rather cold lately.

Probably, Vicky replied, tucking her phone away and hurrying out as the inspection team arrived.

—

The following week, Annie couldnt stop watching Vicky. According to the gossip, Mark was staying late at work, Vicky was forced onto unreliable buses despite her husband being able to drive her, and the little towns bus service was a nightmare. Determined to test her suspicions, Annie told her manager shed be late and showed up at the house of the alleged lover.

Her mother had warned her that a heavy heart could trouble those you love, and today the warning proved true. As soon as she saw Mark embracing a brightblonde woman, kissing her, and promising to return later, Annies chest tightened. Vicky was living with a scoundrel while she was the everkind, helpful neighbour!

That evening Annie decided to act. She wouldnt confront Vicky directly; shed handle it differently. When Vicky left for work, Annie slipped into the staffroom where James was about to head home.

James, I need a favour, she said, squinting.

James looked puzzled.

Its about Vicky, she continued. I saw Mark cheating on her.

James hesitated. Isnt that their private matter? Is it proper to get involved?

Its both proper and improper, Annie smirked. She deserves to know.

But shes pregnant. What if something happens? James objected.

Thats fate, Annie snapped. Truth matters more than lies. Take me to my village; theres a wise old woman who can help. Shell find the truth herself.

James stared at his shoes.

You like Vicky, dont you? Annie pressed. Wont you give her a chance to learn the truth?

James sighed, then nodded.

—

Grandma Zoya, who lived in the countryside, welcomed the two youngsters warmly. She wasnt a witch, just a silverhaired granny in a drab cardigan and a long skirt, her arthritic legs hidden in warm tights. Her eyes, however, were sharp and seemed to look straight into ones soul.

Annie handed her a photo of Vicky and explained the situation. Grandma smiled at James, lit a candle, and held it over the phone screen.

I see the husband isnt meant for her. Theyll part ways eventually. Hes a liar and a trickster, but Vickys spirit is bright.

Can we speed it up? Annie whispered.

I cant force destiny, love. I can only help her see the truth. After that, its up to her.

Grandma shuffled onto the chilly terrace, returned with a canvas bag and a pot of herbs. She scooped a pinch of dried leaves into the bag, chanting:

Field herbs, meadow winds, bring clarity to Vicky. Let truth blossom. Add these to her food theyre mild, harmless.

Shes pregnant, James warned.

Grandma squinted. These are harmless chamomile and yarrow. They wont hurt a child. She turned to James. Would you marry a child not your own if she drove the cheat away?

James swallowed, then nodded. Id.

—

Adding the herbs to Vickys meals proved the trickiest part, especially since she was already nauseous. That evening, just before closing, Vicky craved instant noodles.

Ill fix you a bowl, sit tight! Annie shouted, grabbing a packet, patting her pockets where the herb bag lay, and dashing back to the staffroom.

James sat at the table, silent, hoping Vicky would break free of her liar, yet uneasy about the scheme. Was meddling right or wrong?

Annie exhaled in relief when Vicky finished the last spoonful, smiling contentedly. Both she and James felt the weight of doubt, but duty and compassion won out.

—

The next morning Vicky, as usual, took a seat by the window on the bus and stared out at the countryside. She didnt hear the drivers chatter on his phone, only the announcement that the route would be delayed due to a traffic jam and railway works.

Then the nightmare unfolded: she saw Mark stepping out of a house, embracing the blonde, their goodbye kiss unmistakably intimate. Vicky clutched the window, head spinning, stomach twisting, and everything went white.

She woke up in a hospital bed, Annies worried face hovering above her.

Vicky Im sorry, this is my fault

What are you talking about? Vicky muttered. I saw Mark with Lisa. Was it really him?

Mark shuffled in, eyes guilty, but said nothing.

Do you work nights for the Kovatys? Vicky demanded.

Vicky, the doctor told me you shouldnt but I need to you have to understand if you want to keep the family he said with a cruel grin.

Get out! When Im discharged Ill file for divorce! Vicky shouted.

Mark stumbled away, unable to apologise.

What about the baby? Vicky asked.

The doctor said the babys fine. There was a risk of miscarriage, but it passed, Annie reassured her.

James entered with a basket of fruit, the doctor quickly shooing him away for crowding the ward.

Let him in, please, Vicky pleaded, settling onto the hospital bed.

The doctor sighed and waved him in. James took a seat beside Vicky.

Vicky, I was terrified for you for you and the little one, he began, stumbling over his words.

And youve always worried about me, Vicky replied with a grin, unlike some.

Forget it, James said, smiling.

Annie popped her head back in.

Vicky, I need to tell you something. I set this whole thing up so youd learn about Marks cheating. I couldnt stand watching you being lied to. Please dont be angry.

Vicky laughed, thought a moment, then answered:

Id be angry if youd known and kept quiet. I hate lies. By the way, I had a dream about an old woman saying the cheating man isnt meant for me. She said destiny will bring a guest when I wake.

She glanced at James, who stared at her unblinkingly.

Annie sat on a stool, took Vickys hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She was convinced shed done the right thing. Scoundrels must be cut out while theres still a chance to start anew. The important thing is having true friends and loving people around you. The little things will work themselves out.