**Brothers Birthday Invitation Sparks Drama with His Wife**
My brother, Oliver, married six years ago. Since then, neither I nor our parents have set foot in their home. Every holiday, birthday, and family gathering inevitably unfolds at our parents placea spacious house on the outskirts of York. My mother cooks mountains of food, sets the table, and still sends Oliver and his wife, Jessica, home with Tupperware stuffed with homemade meat pies and salads.
When Oliver married, Jessicas birthday followed soon after. My mother, brimming with enthusiasm, decided to organise a surprise: we bought a cake, picked out a lovely gift, and prepared to visit them. Mum rang Jessica to let her know, but she replied coldly that she hadnt planned to celebrate. Mum, stubborn as ever, insisted*”Well just pop in for a cuppa and cake! You dont have to lift a finger, love!”*
We went anyway. Instead of a warm welcome, we were met with confusion: Jessica stepped outside, muttering that the house *”wasnt tidy,”* and refused to let us in. Stunned, we handed over the cake and gift right there on the doorstep and left. Since then, all gatherings happen at Mums, and we avoid mentioning that awkward moment.
Once, Jessica said bluntly to my parents*”Youve got a big house, plenty of room for everyone! We live in a one-bed flatwhere would we even put guests?”*
I barely kept my anger in check. Could she really not host her in-laws and sister-in-law in a small flat? Its not a crowdjust three people! But we stayed quiet to keep the peace.
Now, Jessica is five months pregnantmy parents first grandchildand Mum cant stop fretting. She calls Oliver constantly, asking after Jessica, offering help. But recently, we learned Jessica quit her job early in the pregnancy. Mum panicked*”Is she unwell? Does she need me?”*
Oliver brushed it off: Jessica was fine, just *”taking it easy.”* We were baffled. Oliver and Jessica had always lived beyond their meansfancy dinners, holidays, designer clothes. No mortgagethe flat was inherited from Jessicas granso they splurged on luxuries. But without her salary, money grew tight, and their lavish lifestyle wobbled. Oliver tried explaining they needed to cut back, but she seemed unwilling to budge.
Jessica admitted she left work fearing shed *”catch something in the office.”* A fair concern, but now their budget was stretched thin, and she still demanded the same comforts. Then, in the midst of it all, Oliver invited us all to celebrate his birthday at *their* place! Mum and I were stunned. Dad even joked*”Finally, well see if my daughter-in-law can boil an egg!”*
Mum was delighted, thrilled for a family evening. I rang Jessica to confirm details, but instead of a calm chat, I got a tearful tirade. Jessica sobbed that she didnt want us there*”Ill have to clean, cook! Im pregnant, its too much!”*
I tried soothing her*”Jessica, keep it simple. Roast some potatoes, toss a salad, shove a chicken in the ovendone. Well bring the cake. Just dinner for five. Whats the issue?”*
I even suggested ordering takeaway to help, but she whined about scrubbing floors and tidying up. I lost patience*”Jessica, its a one-bed flat! How hard is it to clean? Do you only mop when guests come?”*
Finally, I gave her an ultimatum*”If you wont have us, we wont come. Phone Oliver your birthday wishes, and thats that.”*
I told Mum, and she agreed. When Oliver found out, he erupted*”Jessica doesnt work, shes home all day! Cant she manage one dinner and a bit of cleaning? Youre coming, end of! We cant afford takeout or a cleaner, so shell just have to cope!”*
His words hung in the air like storm clouds. Everyone was furious. The desire to go vanished. The thought of Jessicas sulking face, sighing and rolling her eyes, killed any enthusiasm. None of us want to feel unwelcome in my own brothers home.
Yet it hurts to think we might upset Oliver. Hes so excited, so desperate to host us all! How can we just not show up? Its *his* day, and hes not to blame for his wifes tantrums. Were torn: swallow our pride and risk a tense evening, or refuse and break his heart. Theres no good answer, but the birthday looms closerand we must decide.
