I wasn’t invited formally. My sister Salome texted the night before, “If you’re free, we’ve got room in the car.” I agreed without thinking. Needed a break. The household situation was tight.
Easy plan: travel upstate, stay at a friend’s cabin, alcohol, junk food, trashy reality TV. I packed a suitcase and met them in the driveway as they finished loading the back. Blankets, snacks, beach towels—even leopard print. Salome signed it.
When I got in, everyone was surprised—not negatively. A moment of silence was too lengthy. I ignored it.
She appeared in the passenger seat.
Mara.
Sister of my ex.
She promised she’d never take sides—until she did. Till she lied for him. After seeming concerned about his actions, she blocked me on everything.
She smiled at me. Like nothing ever occurred.
I surveyed the automobile. No one spoke. No Salome.
That’s when I realized this trip wasn’t a coincidence.
It was set up. My stomach sank. We were driving away from the curb when I wanted to rush out the door. Trapped. With Mara. Also, my “friends” who thought this was smart.
First hour of driving was agony. Mara started asking about my career, dog, and anything else to break the ice. I replied with one-word responses, arms crossed across my chest. Lena and Priya, the other females, continued staring at each other in the rearview mirror like embarrassed and excited people.
Finally, Lena spoke. Someone must say it. “We know things are weird.”
“Weird is an understatement,” I hissed, staring at Mara in the passenger window.
Mara sighed. Elara, I know I erred. I apologize for being a bad friend.”
Sorry for what, Mara? To deceive me? For siding with him when you know he erred?”
She said, “Yes, for all of it,” with startling sincerity. “My brother is particularly persuasive. I was afraid of what he would do without my support.”
“So you threw me under the bus?”
It was incorrect, Elara. Now I know. A long time ago, I wanted to apologize.”
I said nothing. I doubted her apologies. Not yet.
Salome spoke from behind. We believed that talking to each other may resolve the issue. Or at least not detest each other.”
So you abducted me? The sarcastic question was mine.
Priya nervously laughed. It wasn’t kidnapping! We just facilitated a discourse.
“Without my consent?”
The remainder of the journey was stressful but less confrontational. Mara continued apologizing, and I reluctantly listened. She described how her brother coerced her into accepting his falsehoods. It didn’t justify her actions, but it revealed her perspective.
I was fatigued when we got at the cottage. I wanted to hide in a corner and ignore the world. But the females had other ideas. They insisted on a waterfall walk for “bonding”.
I grudgingly consented, hoping fresh air would calm my brain. Mara and I walked side by side in a comfortable quiet. Fresh air and magnificent views.
When we approached the waterfall, its force and beauty awed us. The mist blasted our faces, and my wrath and bitterness almost vanished.
Mara looked at me intently. Elara, I know my actions are irreversible. I want to regain your faith. Can we be polite this weekend?
She had genuine regret in her eyes as I looked at her. Maybe she told the truth.
“Okay,” I answered softly. “We can try.”
Rest of the weekend wasn’t fairytale. Still, awkwardness and tensions persisted. But we chatted. Talked. We shared our stories, heartache, and regrets. Mara has been struggling with a nasty familial dynamic that I wasn’t aware of.
The twist followed. After drinking too much wine on the final night, Mara told me something shocking.
“My brother,” she added, sobbing. “He admitted to lying to me. Just about anything. He confessed to cheating and blamed you.”
Staring at her, I was shocked. I kept hating myself, wondering what I did wrong. Everything was a lie.
The animosity I had for my ex returned greater than ever. Vindication accompanied it this time. I wasn’t insane. I wasn’t dreaming.
I felt Mara clutch my hand. Elara, I’m sorry. I should have trusted you sooner.”
Something changed that night. My long-held resentment faded, replaced by relief and a new connection with Mara. We were both lied to, and it somehow pulled us closer.
The satisfying ending wasn’t about befriending Mara overnight. Finding common ground, recognizing each other’s grief, and healing were the goals. It was the unexpected twist that confirmed my reality and broke my long-held falsehoods.
I unexpectedly found closure during that ladies’ weekend. Although I had a long way to go, I knew I was not alone. I had friends and Mara, surprise. We were both harmed but survived. We may even become pals.
The life lesson is that unexpected allies might appear. Healing takes time, as does forgiveness. Truth eventually shines, freeing us.
Please share if you’ve been deceived by someone close or if this tale touched you. If you liked it, like it. Your help is invaluable.
