Max, whats that? the woman demanded, clutching a shirt in her hands. Whats that pink stain? Lipstick? Really? So youre late because of work again
Emma, what are you saying? the young man replied wearily, sorting through his work gear. I just got off shift. Lipstick? The only lady in our department is Nurse Nancy. Honestly Im exhausted.
Emma smoothed her lips, crumpled the shirt, and headed for the bathroom. Max let out a heavy sigh.
It had been over six months since Emma and Max started seeing each other. By all accounts their lives were perfect, except for one flawEmma was fiercely jealous. She could find reasons for suspicion even where none existed.
Look at this, Emma moaned, thrusting the shirt toward her sister. Hes definitely cheating. Look at this.
Her sister Kate took the shirt, sniffed the spot, and burst into laughter.
Whats so funny? Emma snapped, offended.
Its just fruit jam, love.
Emma snatched the shirt back, inhaled sharply. Confusion and disbelief crossed her face.
You need to calm down, Kate said gently. I dont understand why youre so paranoid.
Emma sat opposite her sister.
We didnt just start dating him. I pulled him out of a previous relationship, Emma confessed, glancing away. Hed cheated on his ex with me. At first I thought hed never leave, then I realised he would and hed left. And
Thats no excuse to accuse him of betrayal. Learn to trust.
I do trust him, Emma protested. Im just terrified of losing him.
Kate shook her head, unsure what to say.
Where were you? Emma asked, crossing her arms. Its onea.m.
Max let out a tired sigh.
Emma, you let me go out with the lads. We watched the football, had a few drinks, relaxed. Whats the problem?
Daves been home for ages; I called Lily. Where have you been the last two hours?
Simon left early because he promised his wife, and I stayed with Max. Emma, calm down. Im going to bed.
Max slipped into the bedroom and lay down, trying to forget the constant sting of Emmas jealousy, hoping for the peace he once knew. But Emma ruined it again, just as she always did.
Emma left the supermarket, eyes glued to her phone, oblivious to the world around her. A sudden turn of her head made her gasp. Across the street, a blonde woman was wrapped around Maxs arm, laughing loudly as he pressed her close without a thought.
Emmas vision clouded; she hurled the grocery bag aside and lunged at him. Grabbing the womans wrist, she yanked her away.
I knew it! Emma shouted. I knew you were cheating! Youre a liar! Nono! I was right! You you traitor!
Max stared at her, his fists clenched, his eyes flicking accusatorily at the bewildered blonde who knew nothing.
Emma
Dont speak to me. I know what youll say. I wont hear your hollow excuses.
Shes my sister, Max cut in. My halfsister, actually. You know her, right? Vickys my sister; we grew up together. Youd better go home; well talk there.
Emma, stunned, fled, muttering a single, Sorry, to the bewildered girl.
Max returned home late, his lips pressed tight as if they might disappear, his gaze void of Emma.
Max
Im fed up, he admitted. I cant understand why youre so possessive. Since we started dating Ive heard endless accusations. Your eyes are always watching, jealous of patients, nurses, doctorseveryone. Its crossed every line Im really tired.
Max! Emma wailed. Are you leaving me? Please I love you! Forgive me, Ill try not to let this happen again. Please
Emma fell to her knees, clutching his hands, looking straight into his eyes. Max felt sorry for her; he truly loved her and had even ended a fiveyear relationship for her. He never imagined hed be in this position, but Emma had captured his soul. Now doubts gnawed at him from within.
I love you, he whispered, squeezing her hand, meeting her stare. But what youre doing isnt right. I cant live like this.
I wont do it again, Emma sobbed. Never. Just stay with me. You dont understandI cant live without you.
Max exhaled and pulled her close. He couldnt walk away, not after everything shed done.
For the next few months their relationship seemed fine; Emma kept her jealousy hidden, and Max enjoyed their time together, even skipping early shifts and staying late at work.
Autumn arrived, bringing a wave of patients. Max could no longer come in early; fatigue overwhelmed him, so he ate dinner at home and went straight to bed.
Emmas suspicion resurfaced. At first she forced herself to believe him, ignoring the faint scent of unfamiliar perfume on his shirt. Their department was mostly older women; there was little cause for alarm. Yet day by day her doubts grew; she watched him, inspected his shirts, searching for clues.
One evening after work Max rushed to the shower, eager to be in bed. He slipped the bathroom door open almost silently and saw Emma frantically scrolling through his phone.
Emma what are you doing?
She flinched, snatching the phone away.
Just trying to make a call.
Max glanced at the pinkcased phone lying on the bedside table.
Got a charge left?
Its dead.
The screen of Kates phone lit up; a message appeared.
Dead? Seriously? So youre lying too? Max raised an eyebrow, surprised. Should I look for more about you? Huh?
Sorry, Emma lowered her head.
Did you find what you were looking for? Marple Max muttered irritably.
Emma shook her head.
Max silently gathered his belongings from the wardrobe. Emma sprang up, grabbing his arm.
Please, no! I wont do this again. I trust you, Max!
No, Emma, I forgave you once, but I wont step into another trap. Im tired. I just want a quiet life, where I can trust and be trusted. Thats not what I have now.
Within half an hour Max had packed everything, leaving a bewildered Emma on the bed, hugging her knees.
I love you, truly. But I cant keep going like this. What about you? You wont change.
Max left the rented flat and headed back to his parents house, utterly exhausted.
Distrust destroys even the strongest bonds. In the end we judge ourselves. Maybe Emma feared Max would betray her as he had his ex, but she chose him herself. Without trust there can be no love, no friendship, no partnership. That was her greatest mistake.