When can we move into your new house? asked the in-laws point-blank. Pardon? Emily tensed. Well, now that youve finished everything, we assumed youd invite us soon.
Oliver, do you realise this is beyond the pale? Emily could no longer hold back her frustration, especially since her husband pretended not to understand why she was so upset.
What if theyd planned it all along? Let her pour years of her lifeand every penny of her savingsinto this house, only to leave her with nothing?
Unlike their peers, who scrambled to buy tiny flats at outrageous prices, Emily and Oliver had decided early on to build their own home. It was cheaper, quicker, and far more sensible. Instead of a cramped thirty square metres, theyd get a spacious hundred and thirty for the same money.
Plenty of room for children and pets, Emily had said happily.
Luckily, they already had the land. It belonged to Emilys aunt, who transferred it to her niece upon hearing of the couples plans. I never gave you a proper wedding gift, shed said. Thisll do. Better it goes to you than sits unused for another twenty years.
Still, it wasnt easy. To save money, they took on much of the work themselveslabouring after their day jobs, on weekends, even in bad weather.
Emily dipped into her inheritancemoney from her grandmothers flat saleand poured it into the build.
But when the house was finally finished, every minute of effort felt worth it.
Of course, it wasnt entirely complete. There were still details to address in both construction and decor. But the fact they could live there properly filled the young couple with pride.
Theyd already begun spending nights there and hosting friends. The only regret Emily had was that Olivers parents had never lifted a finger to help, despite repeated requests.
Something always came upurgent matters that left them too busy to assist with the fence, the Christmas trees, even delivering the fridgethough they owned a large SUV with a trailer, perfect for such tasks. In the end, the couple had to pay for delivery.
How are they always so busy? Theyre retired! Emily wondered.
Well, they wouldnt lie, Oliver shrugged.
Emily supposed they must genuinely be occupied, and their requests just never aligned. Still, a nagging doubt wormed its way into her thoughts.
Em, the new tellys arriving today. Can you handle it? Oliver, rushing to work, munched a sandwich in their bright new kitchen.
Of course. What time?
Sometime this afternoonbetween three and eight. I gave them your number; theyll call an hour before.
Alright. Heres your lunch.
Cheers. Right, better dash. He pecked her cheek and hurried out.
Around four, there was a knock at the door.
Emily assumed it was the deliverythough odd they hadnt called first.
She opened the door. Standing there were Olivers parentsMargaret and John.
Oh! Emily blinked in surprise, managing only that before awkwardly stepping aside.
Hello, love! Didnt expect us, eh? Margaret beamed.
Sorry, of course I recognised youjust wasnt expecting visitors.
Arent you going to let us in? John winked.
Oh! Yes, come in.
They stepped into the spacious open-plan living area, eyes scanning the room.
My, isnt this lovely! Margaret marvelled. So much better than a poky flat. A proper homeroom for everyone!
Er yes, Emily nodded.
So, when can we move in? John asked bluntly.
Iwhat? Emily stiffened.
Well, now that youre settled, we thought youd have us over soon, John reasoned.
We didnt exactly plan the house for four, Emily replied, thrown by the question.
Were not royalty! A single rooms more than enough, John chuckled.
Weve decided to top up our pensions by renting out our flat, Margaret explained. Now that theres space here.
Have you discussed this with Oliver? Emilys tone sharpened.
Not yet, but he wont mind, Im sure.
Emily was speechless at their audacity. Not once had they helped, yet now they wanted to move inand profit from it?
She couldnt bring herself to refuse outright but prayed Oliver would handle it.
What, no tea for your guests? John huffed.
Right, of course, Emily muttered.
As they sipped tea at the dining table, the delivery driver calledapologising for forgetting to ring earlierand said he was outside.
Emily went to accept the TV. The couriers helped carry in the massive box before politely leaving.
Blimey, thats huge! John admired. Wheres it going?
There, Emily pointed to an empty wall.
Brilliant! Well watch the news together tonight.
Actually, we werent planning to get an aerial.
What? Just stare at a blank screen?
No. Films, shows, streaming. No one watches live telly anymore. Unless youre ancient.
Thatd be us! Margaret laughed. Ill have Oliver sort an aerial.
Emily counted the minutes until Olivers return. Thankfully, he arrived on time.
Olivers here! she announced, hearing his car.
She rushed to meet him. Your parents want to move in, she whispered, hugging him.
What?!
Shh. Theyll explain.
Since when? Oliver asked.
Just came to admire your palace, John said cheerfully. Very impressive!
Palace? Wait till we have kidsno space left.
Nonsense! Youve two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret cut in.
Ones for the baby, ones for guests. We host friends oftenyou know how it is.
We dont care for noise, Margaret glanced at John.
Right. Youd have to keep it down, he agreed.
Come again? Oliver frowned.
Weve told Emily. Were moving in, renting our flat for extra income, John stated.
No, youre not.
Son, how could you? No room for your own parents? Margaret gasped.
Was there ever time to help us? Not even with the fridge! You never showed upnow you want to profit off our home? No. I love you, but its not happening.
John and Margaret exchanged looks.
Come on, love. Time to go, John said stiffly.
They stood and marched out in silence.
Once theyd left, Emily flung her arms around Oliver.
Thank you! I was terrified youd side with themtheyre your parents!
Why would I? I saw how hurt you were every time they refused to help. Why should we host them for some money-making scheme?
Thank you, she squeezed him tighter.
Dont mention it. Nowhow about dinner?
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