The Perfect Wife

by Kimberley Louise

  “I didn’t lose it,” Jean said.

  “Thanks, officer,” Derek said. “I’ll see you out.”

  “Sure. If we have any further information, we’ll be in touch.”

  “Thank you, officer.”

  Derek saw them out and closed the front door. Jean shook her head at him and went back into the kitchen.

  Chapter 23

  That following Friday was Ava’s birthday. Jean was not looking forward to the party, as Emma had taken over the proceedings, just as she had done with Eddie’s funeral. Jean was still reeling from the uncomfortable scene when Emma had turned up and ruined Jean’s plans for Ava’s birthday.

  It was a lovely family moment which Emma had soured with her narcissistic behaviour. It was one in a long list of incidents that Jean had to put up with. But Jean put her feelings aside for Ava’s sake. Today was about Ava.

  Jean and Derek sat in the car outside Meredith's house. Jean could see people arriving for Ava’s party.

  “We don’t have to stay long,” Derek said.

  “How will that look?” Jean asked.

  “It will look like you’re not up to it,” Derek said.

  “Stop saying that,” Jean barked. “I’m not ill.”

  She was tired of everyone treating her like an invalid. When they knocked on the front door, Meredith answered. “Derek, Jean, how lovely to see you. Come in.”

  As soon as they stepped inside, Emma rushed towards them. “I’m glad you both could make it,” Emma said. “Looking good, Jean! Black is really your colour.”

  Jean cast a slight frown, but then hid it with a smile. The scent of Emma’s perfume made her swoon. Jean had a bottle of the same perfume in her handbag. She’d recognise that scent anywhere. Jean brushed the thought to the back of her mind when Ava appeared and threw her arms around Jean.

  “Hi, Auntie Jean and Uncle Derek!” Ava said. “Thanks for coming.”

  Ava looked stunning in a floor-sweeping black gown that complimented her pale skin. She’d styled her hair into two long braids that overlapped at her shoulders. She reminded Jean of her mother, but without the confidence. She was so proud of what a lovely young woman Ava was becoming.

  “We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Jean said. “Happy birthday, darling. I wish your Uncle Eddie could have been here.”

  Ava smiled. “He is, in spirit.”

  They moved to the living room. Jean recognised none of Ava’s friends. She didn’t realize her niece was so popular.

  “Can I get you a drink?” Emma asked.

  “No thanks not from me,” Jean replied.

  She’d had a headache all morning, and she didn’t think drinking would help. But she was fine to watch everyone else enjoying themselves.

  “I'll have a beer, please,” Derek said

  “Come on, Jean,” Emma encouraged. “It’s not every day your only niece turns twenty-one. Have a nice glass of wine.”

  “Okay,” Jean agreed so as not to make a fuss. “I’ll have a glass of wine.”

  “Great,” Emma said. “I’ll get the drinks. Why don’t you mingle?”

  Jean was not the mingling type as social events made her feel like a frightened squirrel. She stopped Ava as she walked past to give her a birthday present.

  “This is for you,” Jean said.

  “Hope you like it,” Derek said.

  “Thank you Auntie Jean and Uncle Derek,” Ava said.

  She took the present from Jean and unwrapped it. It was a rather plain looking black blouse that Jean was sure she would like as Ava never wore garish clothes. Emma brought Jean’s wine and gasped with astonishment. Jean saw the look of horror on Emma’s face, but she disguised it with a smile.

  “What a lovely black blouse,” Emma said.

  The sarcasm in Emma’s voice made Jean want to pour the glass of wine over her head. But she didn’t. That wouldn’t solve anything.

  Ava didn't look too pleased with her gift either, but she gave Jean an appreciative hug. “I love it, Auntie Jean. Thank you.”

  Jean looked around. People were watching them, and the spotlight made Jean feel hot and sick.

  “Well, if you don't like it I kept the receipt. You could always return it,” Jean said, adding a nervous laugh to her sentiment.

  “I won’t be returning it, Auntie Jean. I love it.”

  She hugged Jean again which made her feel a little better. Emma shrugged her shoulders and trotted off, flinging her hand through her long blonde hair as though it was her birthday and her day. Ava was such a sweet girl, so friendly and warm. Jean did not want Ava hanging around with the likes of Emma Chigwell.

  Later, Jean watched Emma and Ava laughing in the corner. Derek then joined them and the three of them laughed. When Jean noticed Emma go upstairs, Jean tiptoed behind her, and waited for Emma to come out of the toilet. “Hello Jean,” Emma said, startled. “Are you okay?”

  “It's a great party.”

  Emma gave a small trace of a smile. “Well, it was my idea. I knew Ava would appreciate it.”

  “Well Ava’s enjoying herself,” Jean said. “No Charlie?”

  “He’s working,” Emma said.

  “Is that new perfume you’re wearing?” Jean asked her.

  Emma dabbed her hand on her neck and then smelled her wrist. “Yes. It's lovely. Isn’t it? Here, smell.”

  Emma pushed her wrist under Jean’s nose, and Jean felt her blood boil. It was her perfume. Jean was sure.

  “It's very nice,” Jean said.

  “Thank you. If I remember I'll get you a bottle,” Emma said. “That’s funny. I didn’t have you down as a perfume lover.”

  Emma smiled as she dashed down the staircase. Jean’s eyes followed her. Resting her hand on the bannister, Jean took a deep breath before she re-joined the party.

  In the living room, Jean watched Derek dancing with Emma. She couldn’t remember the last time he’d danced with her. Jean didn’t recognise the music being played, nor did she identify any of the guests except those who were family. Everyone was enjoying themselves, but Jean wanted to go home.

  “You not dancing?” Emma asked her.

  “I'm fine, thank you,” Jean replied.

  “Come on, Auntie Jean,” Ava shouted from the middle of the dance floor.

  “I'm not much of a dancer,” Jean said

  Emma danced with Ava while Jean felt hot and sticky again. She went to the table to pour herself a drink.. What she wanted was a glass of cold water. Jean poured herself a glass in the kitchen and then returned to the living room where she picked up her glass of wine. She was not a big drinker. But, she felt she should join in with everybody else and pretended to enjoy herself. She wasn’t sure how much wine she drank, but she felt woozy and the room was spinning. She made her way to the couch, but everything seemed to spin faster and faster.

  “Are you okay, Auntie Jean?” she heard Ava ask.

  Jean looked up at her, but Ava’s head faded out of focus.

  “I think you've had enough,” Derek said.

  “I want a drink,” Jean slurred.

  “I think you’ve had enough,” she heard Meredith say.

  Everybody was watching her. Derek pulled her up, but she didn’t want to go anywhere with him. “Don't spoil this for Ava,” Derek whispered to her.

  “I feel terrible,” Jean said.

  “I’m taking you home,” Derek said.

  “I don't want to go home,” Jean said. “Where’s Eddie?”

  “Eddie is dead for goodness’ sake!” Derek's voice shook her.

  But his voice seemed so loud, it shook her.

  He pulled her up off the couch, but she shoved him away and plunged onto the table of food and drink. Horrified and ashamed, Jean got up, held her head down, and cried.

  “Right. I am taking you home now,” Derek said.

  “I’m so sorry,” Jean cried as Meredith, Ava, and Emma watched Derek march her out of the living room.

  Chapter 24

  Jean glance
d at her reflection in the mirror. She looked awful. Her hair was a mess and her face, pale and insipid. When she went into the kitchen, Derek was drinking coffee.

  “What happened last night?” Jean asked.

  “Don’t you remember?”

  Jean shook her head. “No.”

  “You made a fool of yourself, that’s what happened?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You got drunk and fell onto the table. Everyone was staring at us. It was embarrassing.”

  Jean could see Derek was disgusted. “I only had two glasses of wine.”

  “You almost passed out.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Jean sat at the table. If she could remember something, it would help, but Ava’s party was a blank.

  “Ava was mortified. After all the effort Emma putting into setting up the birthday party.”

  Jean looked at Derek. “I must speak to Ava. Tell her how sorry I am.”

  “If you think it’d help.”

  “I don’t know what else to do.”

  Jean slammed his hands on the table. “I told you not to drink anymore. But you wouldn’t listen. You never listen to me.”

  “Stop shouting at me, please.”

  Derek stormed out the kitchen. Jean rushed after him, begging to stay with her, but he slammed the front door in her face.

  That afternoon Jean drove over to Meredith's house. She couldn’t bear the thought of Ava being angry with her. When Meredith answered the front door, her displeased expression spoke volumes.

  “Hi?”

  “Hello, Jean?” Meredith replied, coldly.

  “Can I speak to Ava please?” Jean asked.

  “Sure,” Meredith said. She let Jean into the hall just as Ava was coming down the staircase.

  “Auntie Jean are you okay? I was worried about you last night we all were.”

  “Ava. I wanted to say I'm so sorry. Is it possible could take you out for lunch?”

  “I would meet a friend.”

  “Oh, well maybe another time.”

  Ava looked at Meredith. “Maybe I could cancel. I’m sure she’d understand.”

  “Thanks, Ava.”

  Ava went back upstairs to grab her coat while she was upstairs Meredith looked at Jean.

  “It really upset her,” Meredith said. “What did you do it?”

  “I only had one drink, two at most,” Jean said.

  “I know it was a party but you passed out. It was strange.”

  “Yes it was. That’s what I don’t understand.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “I didn’t drink that much. How did I pass out?”

  “I thought you would put your differences with Emma aside for Ava’s sake. How could you Jean?”

  Ava returned and took her jacket off the coat rack.

  “I'm ready now,” Ava said.

  Jean smiled at Meredith as she and Ava left the house.

  Jean took Ava to a restaurant in Headingley. They sat by a table in the corner.

  “So did you enjoy yourself last night?” Jean asked.

  “Yes, it was great.”

  “Emma went to a lot of trouble.”

  “She knows how to plan a party. It was great to have something to celebrate.”

  “Until I ruined it.”

  “I never said that. Mum said you and Emma were having issues.”

  “Did she say why?”

  “No. Nobody knows what your problem is with her.”

  “I can't explain it.”

  “But you must know why?”

  “It’s complicated. I don’t want to get you involved.”

  “I am involved. We all are, Auntie Jean.”

  “It’s just that ever since Emma came into this family, there seems to be this tension. I can’t put my finger on it, but there is something strange about her.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it, Auntie Jean.”

  “At least you’re not angry with me,” Jean said.

  The last thing Jean wanted to fall out with her niece. They’d always been close. Although Jean was not pleased about Ava’s closeness with Emma.

  “I had a great time last night,” Ava replied. “Emma’s really nice if you get to know her. She said she had problems with her previous mother-in-law too.”

  Jean gazed at Ava. “Her previous mother-in-law? Emma’s been married before?”

  “I suppose so,” Ava said. “She didn’t really go into it. You know how she is. She never talks about her past.”

  Jean rubbed the edge of her chin. “Yes. I wonder why?”

  Derek was in the garden when Jean returned home. She hung her coat up in the hall and watched him through the kitchen window. He chatted to their neighbour, Christine, over the garden fence. Jean switched on the kettle and took two cups out the cupboard. As she waited for the kettle to boil, she thought about Ava. She adored her niece and was relieved she wasn’t upset. But Jean was still suspicious about her behaviour. She couldn’t understand it. Jean wasn’t a heavy drinker and would never have gotten drunk. She’d never make a fool of herself.

  Derek came into the kitchen as the kettle boiled.

  “How long have you been home?” Derek asked.

  “Not long,” Jean said, making the tea. “I’m making tea.”

  “Thanks. Are you okay?”

  “I think so.”

  “Sorry I stormed out like that earlier.”

  “You were angry,” Jean said.

  “I was just talking to Christine, next door. She said Gwen visited earlier, but there was no one home.”

  “Gwen?” Jean asked.

  Jean remembered that she hadn’t told Gwen about Eddie and was frightened of her telling Derek.

  “I’m sure she’ll come back,” Jean said.

  “She went off for months, didn’t she? Went abroad? Have you not heard from her? She may not know about Eddie.”

  Jean handed the cup of tea to Derek. “There you go.”

  “I need this. Did you see Ava?”

  “Yes, and I apologised but I—”

  The doorbell interrupted Jean. Derek answered the door and returned with Emma.

  “Hello, Jean? Sorry to pop around unannounced.”

  “You don’t need an appointment,” Derek said.

  “You’re so kind, Derek,” Emma said. “I just thought I’d come and see how Jean was doing.”

  “She’s still standing, just about,” Derek said.

  They laughed, but Jean didn’t join them. Derek showed Emma into the living room. Emma took off her jacket and Jean saw she was wearing a new dress. It was floral and highlighted her svelte figure.

  “I was a little worried about you, Jean. I would have phoned, but I thought it was best I come instead.”

  “We’re glad you did,” Derek said. “Can I get you a cup of tea?”

  “Thanks that would be great.”

  Derek went into the kitchen and Jean sat opposite Emma on the couch. There looked at each other, not saying anything.

  “I’m so glad you’re okay,” Emma then said.

  “I’m fine. You didn’t need to come all the way over here.”

  “I’m not interrupting anything am I?”

  “I meant you didn’t need to put yourself out.”

  “We’re family, Jean.”

  “How are the boys?”

  “They’re fine and coping really well.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Don’t worry about last night.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “I mean, feeling you embarrassed yourself. Mind you, it was funny. I wish I’d filmed it. I know you didn’t mean to ruin it for Ava.”

  “Ava is fine about it.”

  “She would say that.”

  “She told me.”

  “Ava is a sweet girl. She wouldn’t want to hurt your feelings. But making a show of yourself like that in front of her friends, just imagine how she felt.”

  Jean pondered over her words
. She knew she’d embarrassed her niece. She wasn’t proud of herself. Derek came back into the lounge and gave Emma her tea.

  “I was just telling Jean that she needn’t worry about last night,” Emma said. “It was just one of those things.”

  “You’re not still worried about it are you?” Derek asked.

  “Not really,” Jean said.

  “Ava enjoyed her party. That was the main thing.”

  “Exactly,” Derek said. “You’ve been like a breath of fresh air in her life.”

  “That’s a nice thing to say,” Emma said.

  “It’s true,” Derek said. “And she’s been through a lot you know.”

  Jean shot Derek a hard look to stop him from going any farther, but he ignored her.

  “She seems like a happy-go-lucky type of girl,” Emma said.

  “She is,” Derek said. “But she suffers from depression.”

  Jean didn’t think it was any of Emma’s business. The family wasn’t ashamed of Ava’s struggles with mental health, but it was a private, family matter.

  “I didn’t know,” Emma said.

  “Why would you?” Jean asked. “It’s personal. Well, it was.”

  “Emma and Ava are friends.”

  “Well, I think Ava should hang around with girls her own age.”

  “There’s no need for that Jean.”

  “I’m sorry, Jean’s right,” Emma said. “It is a private matter.”

  “You’re family,” Derek said.

  Emma looked at Jean. “Yes, I am. But maybe I should be going.”

  “You haven’t finished your tea.”

  “I’m sure Emma has things to do, Derek.”

  Emma got up and Derek showed her out. While she was leaving, Jean went up to the window and watched Emma walk down the path and get into her car.

  “There was no need for that,” Derek said when he returned to the living room. “She was just trying to be nice.”

  “Sure she was,” Jean said.

  “What’s the matter now?”

  “Nothing,” Jean answered. “I’ll make a start on dinner shall I?”

  Jean barrelled into the kitchen and Derek returned to the garden. While he mowed the grass, and the chicken fillets roasted in the oven, Jean took the laptop and searched for how you knew when somebody spiked your drink.