Another of Zelda’s insightful stories demonstrating her sure grasp of human nature.
>PAST IMPERFECT
ZELDA MARGO
My perfect relationship with Tom fell apart when he announced his engagement to his
employer’s daughter. She of the money-bags, the artfully made-up face and the
surgically enhanced cleavage.
“Emma, I didn’t know that you had broken up with Tom,” said a colleague in the staff-
room. Pride did not allow me to spill tears. I donned my happiness camouflage. “I didn’t
break up with Tom. We just drifted apart in our three-year relationship.”
I lied. We had been cosy on Friday. The Sunday paper carried the photo and
announcement, I went into shock. I was only able to get to my Gran on her Walkerville
small-holding on the following week-end.
My Granny, a pearl of a person, whom I call Poil, opened her arms to me and I allowed
myself to sob.
“Emma, drink your tea. We will go into the garden and take your thoughts for a walk.”
We walked and I poured out my feelings of anguish/pain/resentment/rage and
humiliation.
Poil, holding my hand, led me to a bench under the apple tree. “Honey child, I know how
difficult it is to trudge out of crushed self-esteem. However, I learned that you can look it
in the face.”
“How Poil, when I feel so emotionally violated?”
“By freeing yourself of Tom, by forgiving him.”
I gasped. Poil continued. “It can be a doorway to strength, wisdom and adventure. That,
Honey-child, spells total self-esteem.”
“Poil, right now, I feel too pissed off to –“
“I know that the heart has its own place, and as you say you are too pissed off for words
to be a resource for easing pain. But Emma, you’ll find the purest love where you least
expect to.”
To free myself of Tom, I needed to forgive. So, when invited to his wedding, I arrived,
wearing a designer outfit, my loneliness and Poil’s blessing. A warm brown voice at my
elbow.
“Champagne?”
“Yes, yes - thank you.”
“I’m Tony.”
“I’m Emma.”
“I’m the bride’s brother.”
“I’m Tom’s reject.”
Conversation became impossible in the babbling mountain of voices.
Tony reached out to me. Tom’s cruel rejection devastated my sense of self. It took time
to develop new inner power and a sense of worth before I could embark fearlessly with
Tony on the adventure of loving and being loved.
Now, we are the darlings of the glossies, constantly featured as the beautiful
philanthropic couple, Anthony and Emma Anderson-Smythe. Enshrined in the celebrity
culture. Artifice reflecting contemporary reality.