Yulie’s Sweet Revenge

Julias Revenge

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A sullen autumn rain half-heartedly sprinkled the windscreen as Julia stared out of the minibus that was trundling her back home. Well, home in this case meant the big, noisy citya studio flat in a tall tower blockshed stopped thinking of her parents house as home a good few years ago. Sure, thats where her roots were: Mum, Dad, the school shed finished before moving away for university. But a decade was enough to make her more London than Lincolnshire.

Julia was rather proud of herself, if she was honest. By twenty-seven, shed made a solid go of thingsfirst slogging through medical school, then landing a decent job in a swanky Chelsea beauty salon. Top it all off with endless courses, workshops, and career development seminars, and Jules had barely a day off since graduation.

She wouldnt have come this weekend, if not for a set of odd phone calls with her parents. Ringing Mum, Dad was always just out. Ringing Dad, Mum would be off somewhere mysterious.

Mum, whats going on with you two? shed ask, brow crinkling.

To which her mother, Caroline, would give a patented English non-answer: All fine, darling. Everyones well!

Two hours and a domestic flight from London later, Julia hadnt found the journey long at all. Shed long ago acclimatized to life at double pace.

Their village was still recognisable. The bus drew up in front of the rather sad, post-war station, everything pleasantly dull except the new sign over the Co-Op and the trees outside that seemed a little taller than before. The rain had decided to skip the countryside altogether, so rays of pale light occasionally peeped through the clouds. Julia had texted her mum, but hadnt managed to say exactly when shed arrive.

Bored already, the one-man taxi service from the village shuffled towards her, eyeing her suitcase with mild loathing. Where to, then? he asked, bumping the wheels along the cratered tarmac.

Number 52, Ascension Road.

The old family home awaited with its blue-painted shutters, the same old cherry tree in the garden, andby the gatethree birch trees her dad had planted when she left for secondary school.

Julia! Caroline dashed from the window to the door, beaming and crying altogether.

Mum, come on. Ive missed you too, but theres no need for tears.

Thats just happiness, love! Havent seen you for three years.

Julia dumped her suitcase, took off her trainers and hoodie, and flopped onto the sofa, legs outstretched, Caroline sitting close, arms round her. They sat like that for a solid two minutes before Julia voiced the question that had been hovering ever since the first odd phone call.

Mum, wheres Dad? Hes not at home, is he?

Caroline smiled thinly. Let me get you some food first, then well talk.

Everything was just as Julia rememberedexcept not. A new tablecloth on the kitchen table, a flowery tea service she didnt recall ever seeing, and a house that felt quaint compared to her minimalist flat.

Mums famous meatballssoft, fluffy, and distinctly comfortingstill tasted of childhood. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce from the garden, stacks of veggie salads, fat scones with jam, desserts enough for a family of twelve.

So, Dads on a business trip? Youre being awfully cryptic.

Caroline looked serious. He is away. I wanted to talk about this in person, not on the phoneits complicated. And you were always dashing about: work, training, always busy Sorry, love, shouldve told you sooner. Your dad and I Weve split up.

Julia slid her now cold tea aside, stood, and tugged open the wardrobe in her parents bedroomher fathers shirts and jumpers were gone.

Where is he?

Sit down, please. Let me explain. These things happeneven after years together. We decided, your dad and I, to part ways.

But you seemed fine! Im your only child! How could you not say a word?

Being an only-child, Julia had been used to getting what she wantedsometimes a puppy-dog look would produce a new bike or, at thirteen, a fancy Hi-Fi system her parents really couldnt afford. Julia was never starving through medical school; her dads salary always trickled her way, and Mums wages propped up the household.

She wasnt spoiled, just used to working for what she wanted, particularly when it came to getting good grades in examsher parents beamed with pride that shed got into medical school.

You split up and said nothing to me

It was only recently, Caroline protested. Frankly, things hadnt been working for a while. But youre our daughter, Jules, always have been and always will be.

So, did he move to Nans place?

Well, where else would he go? Its his parents old houseit cant sit empty.

I need to talk to him! Right now! Julia darted for the door.

Relax, hes only away for a couple of days on a work thing. Hell be back tomorrow.

This feels ridiculous. After all those years, you break up. Has he got someone else?

Caroline sighed. Yes, your dad isnt alone. Its no surprisehes not an old man yet.

Who? Who is she?

You wouldnt know her. Shes from the next village.

And shes living in Nans old house now?

Well, where else would he take her?

Julia clutched her head. You say that as if someone pinched a chicken, not your husband!

Julia, honestly love, dont get upset. Its been coming a while. No point twisting the knife, is there?

Mum, sorry, but youre too soft. If theres betrayal, theres got to be justice. I wont see Dad. I dont talk to traitors.

Caroline looked on the verge of tears but chose not to argue, hoping Julia would mellow with a good nights sleep.

She did, in fact, relax a bit, changed into joggers and a hoodie, and left the house for a wander. Outside, the air was so fresh it made her giddy. Childhood friends, old school acquaintances flashed through her mindJulia barely kept up with their social media these days, too much hustle and bustle. Shed become distinctly more metropolitan in her values.

Mum, Im off for a walk down by the stream.

Youll catch your deaththe rains coming.

Oh, Ill be back in a tick.

Nans placemore aged, but soldiering onappeared around the next bend. Julia slipped in through the gate, up the creaking steps, and barged in. There, in the scullery beside the gas hob, a fortyish woman (maybe younger?) stirred something in a saucepan.

The new queen of Nans old house, then? Julia asked, giving her a once-over.

Youre Julia, arent you? the woman, flustered, replied. David showed me your photo. Come in

This is still my grandparents house, you know. Dont flatter yourself, Ive just come home.

The womans shoulders slumped. Is that fair? David was so looking forward to seeing you. Sit, and Ill put the kettle on.

I dont care who you are

Im Irene, she said cautiously.

Well, Irene, why dont you pack your bags and move out? What business have you got here?

David brought me here, and Im not going anywhere until he says so. Youre angry, but I never hurt you, Julia.

You broke my family! My parents were together all these yearsif not for you, they still would be!

Julia, please, you dont know the whole story. I didnt break up your parents

A lad of about twelvesurely Irenes sonappeared from the hall, peered between the adults.

Go on, Danieloff you go! said Irene.

I wanted to go out anyway.

He eyed Julia curiously as he passed, blue eyes wide with alarm and confusion.

You wont stay here, Julia fired at Irene, and headed for the door herself.

Stewing as she marched back through the muck, Julia thought, Typical Dad, moving someone new in where Nan used to bake scones

She desperately wanted to lash out at him, say what a fool hed made of her, that shed always believed him to be the salt of the earth. And it infuriated her knowing she had no actual power to evict a usurper.

City life had toughened her uplate nights, early starts, a daily horde of difficult clients and even tougher colleagues. Home was a concept dulled by city grit and routine, but now, returned, she realised all shed missed was exactly this: her parents, their warmth, that elusive home.

Divorce felt like someone had kicked her in the kidneys. Despite all her adult swagger, Julia felt vulnerable, like a child again. The only weapon she had was revenge, and so shed gone to scope out Dads new arrangement.

Where have you been? Caroline clucked, seeing her return, windswept and agitated. Dont say you were down by the stream this whole time?

I saw her, Julia confessed. No big deal. Shes got a kid. So now Dads landed himself with a ready-made family.

Caroline paled, hand flying to her throat as if something was stuck there.

Why would you do that? Did I ask you?

Mum! Julias eyes actually sparked. Are you seriously fine with all this? Quarter of a century together and he just swans off to start againas if nothing happened? Doesnt it bother you? Dont you want revenge? Its so unfair!

Why? Caroline croaked. I never asked. Ive made my peace with it, darling. Theres no point having a rowDavid and I only stayed together for you. We both loved you, but Im not so sure we ever really loved each other.

Youre just trying to excuse his behaviour, Julia retorted.

No, sweetheart. The truth is, I practically forced that man to marry me. Caroline gave a tiny, wry smile. Dont worry, I wasnt even pregnantI chased him until he believed no one could be better for him. Then we had you, and we doted on you. After you left, it was habit keeping us together. Our love was always you.

Mum, why didnt you ever talk to me like this? Im not a child anymore.

Oh, how could I? It was easier to keep quiet; you were always away, I didnt want to upset you. Besides, David always told me straight when he met someone else. Hes never been a liar.

You should have done somethingtherapy, a holiday, something! Thats what people do in London.

Julia, thats all very well in the city, but we live in a village where everyones half-relations anyway, and everyone is their own therapist. It stung, of course, but theres nothing to be done about it now.

He tried, did he? Julia snorted. I get how it is, but I cant quite forgive you for letting go, Mum.

Maybe Im just sick of always being the nice one. I want someone to love me too, you know! Im not ancient, am I? Wouldnt you like me to be happy for a change? Suddenly, Caroline dissolved into the kind of tears only middle-aged mothers can manage, loud and unapologetic.

Mum, oh come on, Mum! Julia cradled her, dabbing her face with a tissue. Youre gorgeous and fabulous and Ill make sure you stay that waydont forget who your daughter is.

Im all right, Im all right now, Caroline sniffled and managed a wobbly smile. But you shouldnt have stormed over to Irene. None of this is her faultDavid met her after things fizzled out between us. Shes not even local, you know, came here with her son, apparently running from a nasty ex. Her previous partner used to hit their son

Mum, stop tugging at my heartstrings, I feel much sorrier for you than some random woman.

Its just the way its worked out, darling. No point holding village grudges for the next forty years. Best to forgive, love.

I cant just accept it, Mum. I probably wont ever forgive him.

And me? Are you going to stop talking to me too?

Oh, Mum, dont be daft. Not you!

Well, what if I meet someone else? What then?

Good luck to you, Mum! If you let Dad go so easily, be happy.

Maybe I already have Carolines voice trembled a bit. You remember Sally Barker from your class?

Of course Julia remembered. Theyd been mates, writing BFF notes and planning future careers. But City Life had a way of eating up old ties.

Sally Barker? Yes, she was a laugh. Plaits, then ponytails

Well, her mum died three years ago. Sallys a mum herself now, though shes still got her dad around. Andrew Potterdo you remember him? Hes always popping round to help out

Not judging, Mum, honestly. Julia smiled for the first time that evening. But youve got to understand, its hard. I cant shake the feeling that family means both of you together, forever. I pictured bringing my own little ones back here for Christmas, you visiting me in Londonyou know, the ideal family. But its over. And it hurts.

I know, love. But youll be fine. Youve got your life sorted. Dont look at us and think all relationships are disasters.

If you say so. Shame Sallys away, I wouldve liked to catch up Julia replied. And dont bother trying to persuade me to see Dad. Im not ready. Full stop. With that, she went off to make up her guest bed, the conversation having exhausted her.

David got delayed three more days on business, phoning Julia and Caroline, but Julia point-blank ignored his calls. Somewhere deep down she knew it was just pride, but the thought of Irene revived her anger every time she considered answering.

When her father finally returned, he rolled up in his battered Land Rover, looking distinctly older and more tired than she remembered. His forehead had retreated alarmingly, and his eyes were red.

Wont even talk to your old da? Or let me give you a hug? he asked gently.

No point. Youve moved on, new partner, new kid. End of.

Hes not my son, you know. Irene brought him. But youll always be my Kitten, JuliaIm sorry we werent straight with you.

Goodbye, Dad, Julia replied, and hurried to the bedroom.

Caroline and David murmured a few words in the hall before he let himself out.

The next day, Julia was genuinely heading for the stream, not for drama, just nostalgia. She watched local kids racing their bikesone of them was, of course, Irenes son. Sighing, Julia wondered why she even cared.

Suddenly a sharp shoutthen a couple morerang out. One of the boys was down in a heap of wood off the side of the road. Julia sprinted over. It was Daniel, his pale face pinched with pain. A long rusty nail was jammed above his knee, and his other ankle looked badly twisted. Julia had her jacket off in a second, wadding it up as a pillow and doing emergency first aid with calm she didnt know she possessed.

Keep still, youll be fine, she soothed, then dialled her dad and snapped, Get here, now! Its Daniel, Irenes boyhes been hurt!

Her dads rattly old Landie appeared within minutes, Irene flying out the door in a faded dress and wild hair.

Daniel! Sweetheart, what happened? she cried.

Get him in the car, quick! Julia barked.

What did you do to him? Irene shrieked, but Julia ignored her as David lifted Daniel into the vehicle and Julia herself, without so much as a thought, hopped in.

By the time they reached the local hospital, the waiting room was deserted and a bored receptionist almost asleep. Julia raised hell until a doctor and nurse whisked Daniel away on a trolley.

Theyll patch his leg and check his foot too, Julia told Irene, who sat, frozen, a million miles away, while David gave Julia a grateful nod.

Julia walked home through the damp, her walk by the stream forgotten.

***

Next afternoon, Julia and Caroline were at the bus stop, the sky threatening another drizzle. Julia glanced around, feeling a bit melancholy: leaving turned out differently than shed imagined.

A little blue Fiesta rounded the corner and parked. A middle-aged man carrying a toddler and a cheerful, well-fed woman walked over.

Caroline beamed, Just in time! Julia, look, its Sally!

And there was Sally Barkerolder, curvier, but grinning like a cat. Shame its only a quick visit, Sally said. Wanted a proper catch-up!

Julia, remember me? the man asked, toddler perched on his hip. Andrew Potter. Took you girls to your first day of schoolSally held my hand so tight, and you wouldnt let go of David.

Julia laughed. I remember! Sallys pigtails and all that

She scribbled her London number for Sally as the battered Landie clattered in. Out stepped her dad and Irene, steadying Daniel between them.

Daniel grinned, Look, Auntie Julia, I can almost standsee? He broke the tension clean through.

I never doubted youtough as boots, you are, Julia replied. And skip the Auntie. Just call me Julia, all right?

Sorry about yesterday, Irene said sheepishly. Hes all Ive got, you know. Just like you are to David.

Julia looked around the muddy car park and realised: whether they were hers or not, these people had all become family of sorts. The bus rolled in; Caroline wept quietly into her scarf.

Oh, do stop it, Caroline! David half-scolded her, his own eyes shining. Julia will be back, wont you, love? He looked into her eyesso like his. Julia felt something inside her give way. Without a cue, her dad picked her up by the waist, like when she was little, and kissed her cheeks, her nose. Julias arms rounded his neck like wings.

Ill be back. Promise, Julia said, hugging everyone in reachher mum, her old mate Sally, even Daniel. From the window of the minibus, she watched them all, faces old and new.

Even through the glass, she could hear, Come again!

I will, absolutely, she whispered, waving madly as the bus shuddered off. It really wouldnt be fair otherwise, would it?

The bus pulled away, leaving its muddy patch behind. There, standing together in the spotty sunshine, were the people who loved herand, for the first time in years, Julia felt entirely at home.