THE ULTIMATE BEST FRIEND

Emily, Im getting married, Claire said, her smile a little nervous. The weddings next Friday. Will you come? Id love to see you there.
Are you kidding me? Emilys stomach dropped at the news, as if a close friend had just turned on her back. She never imagined hearing something that would hurt so much. Shed always felt sorry for Claire, who never seemed to catch a break in love.

Why the sudden news? Emily asked. Weve known James for half a year already.
And you never mentioned him? Whos he? Ive never even seen him. Where have you been hiding him?
Hide him? Claire laughed. We work together, mostly at the construction firm where Im a site manager. He just popped the question and I said yes!
Is he a painter too, like you? Emily scoffed, pursing her lips.
James can do everything. He runs the company, the one I work for.

Emilys breath caught. She didnt know what to say, watching her friend to see if she was pulling a prank. Claire looked calm, far from joking.

Theyd gone to the same secondary school, friends since Year 7. Emily had always been the top of the class, the pretty one, the one boys swarmed around. Claire, on the other hand, never got much attention. Emily felt a pang of pity for her, thinking life had dealt her a rough hand. Claire wasnt blessed with looks or a fit figure, shed struggled at school and after Year 9 went off to train as a plasterer.

Isnt there anything more exciting than that? Emily had asked once. Couldnt you switch to something else?
My mums been a plasterer all her life, so I followed in her footsteps, Claire replied.
Stuck in a dirty jumpsuit forever? Why not aim for a sleek office job, somewhere cultured? Im thinking of studying design.
I dont get design at all, Claire said. Ive helped Mum plaster and paint a lot, I like it. Ive learned a few tricks, and with the grades Ive got, university isnt an option.

Emily didnt get into university either, but she didnt throw in the towel. She finished college, then scraped her way into a design course on a points basis. Their paths diverged academically, but they still met up often, keeping their friendship alive. Emily was the life of any party and often dragged Claire along, where Claire seemed to shine by contrast and got plenty of attention from the lads.

Emily was convinced shed land a handsome, welloff, promising husband. Then, out of the blue, Claire dropped the wedding bomb. So youll come to the wedding? she asked again.
Of course. Ill be there, Emily said firmly. Will I get to meet the groom?
Sure thing.

Emily halfexpected James to be a bald, pudgy old man looking to marry Claire for a discount on the renovation work at his new cottage. Turns out he was a decentlooking, cheekytongued young fellow with a bit of a beard. He stared at Claire as if she were the only person in the room.

At the reception Emily kept trying to get Jamess attention, twirling around Claire, but the two were glued to each other, oblivious to her antics. The brides mother, Mrs. Thompson, finally snapped at her. What are you doing, love? Im just a plain, workingclass mum, I can tidy my hair fast enough for you.
Emily tried to explain, but Mrs. Thompson wasnt having it. Dont bother. My sons not like your boyfriend. Well be married soon enough.

Emily was still smarting; shed just split from her latest boyfriend and hadnt managed to marry the unemployed son of a neighbour. Claire had snagged a bloke who liked her simply because Emily wasnt around. The newlyweds moved into Jamess flat, and Emily became a regular visitor, offering help while secretly hoping to catch Jamess eye.

James spent long days on site, Claire suffered a nasty bout of morning sickness, and Emily kept popping in with meals. Let me make you lunch, shed say, nudging Claire out of the kitchen. I cant even look at food right now, Claire would reply, begging James to take her out for a coffee while the nausea passed. A cafés nice, but its pricey. Homecooked is cheaper, Emily would argue, whipping up a stew.

Soon Claire gave birth to a little girl, Lily, on schedule. Both grandmothers were still working and only came over on weekends. Emily was still at university, slipping out of lectures to spend time with Lily, hoping James would notice her. He remained devoted to Claire, treating Emily politely but nothing more.

Determined, Emily started showing up more often, staying longer. One afternoon Mrs. Thompson caught her lingering. What are you doing here? she snapped. Claire needs help, I cant manage alone.
Did you hire her as a housemaid or what? Planning to stay on your own? the mother hissed. Why do you keep pestering me? Emily snapped back, Im just trying to help.
Mrs. Thompson warned, Youre being naïve, love. Men are weak, youll end up alone. She pushed Emily out of the flat, telling her to stop being such a fool.

Emily tried to stay calm, but her pride was bruised. Shed just been told she was unwelcome, yet she returned earlier than usual, catching Claire halfasleep, cradling Lily. I was scared youd never come back, Claire whispered, dont mind my mother, shes a bit of a worrywart.

Emily sank onto the sofa, eyes narrowed. Your mothers right, you just dont see it. James and I have been together for ages; hes scared to admit it. He thinks youre clumsy, ugly even. He only married you out of pity and convenience, to have a handy plasterer at home.

God, stop, Claire pleaded, her voice trembling. Please, just let it go.

James walked in for lunch, surprised to see the tense scene. He quietly slipped his arm around Emily and led her out, letting her gather her shoes. Dont come back, he said gently, closing the door behind her.

He turned to the sobbing Claire. Dont listen to anything she says, he warned sternly. There was never anything between us.

Claire sniffed, Why does she hate me so much?

Hes just jealous, James muttered, pulling her into a hug.

Nine months later, their son, Sam, was born, a spitting image of James. As for Emily, she vanished from their lives, and Claire never bothered to look for her again. The little help she once offered was no longer needed.