Where are you headed? We came to see you!
I cant stand your sister! Galine exclaimed, grimacing. She drives me nuts!
Youre not the only one, Maxime replied, defending his wife.
She meddles in everything, thinks shes smarter than everyone, and loves the smug look she gets when she makes a fool of me, Galine muttered through clenched teeth. One minute my upbringing is a mess, the next my makeup is outdated
Shes always been like that, Maxime shrugged. Its all my mothers fault; she spoiled her and let her get away with anything.
Good thing we live a hundred kilometres away from your family, Galine said, rolling her eyes.
Françoise, the motherinlaw, and Aline, the sisterinlaw, lived in the city, while Maxime and Galine resided in a tiny village not far away.
Both women were widows sharing an apartment, so every time Maxime and Galine visited Maximes mother, they also ended up at Alines place.
Maximes sister could not tolerate her sisterinlaw, making clashes between them inevitable.
During the first visits Galine bit her tongue silently, then decided to answer Aline, noticing that Françoise, weakened by age, was also beginning to criticize her daughterinlaw.
Each trip to the mother turned into a scandal, and the couple resolved to stop seeing Maximes family altogether.
Françoise soon noticed the change and began calling her son for explanations.
Why havent you been coming? Its already two weeks without seeing you. Dont you think your mother and sister are getting bored? she scolded.
Were swamped, no time, Maxime answered curtly, avoiding details.
What are you up to, then? Françoise asked suspiciously. Your wife forbids you? The last time she left with a face as if shed swallowed a sack of lemons.
I told you, we have business to take care of, Maxime replied, ending the call quickly.
An hour later Françoise called again, announcing that she and Aline would stop by the village.
Why? Maxime asked, puzzled.
To visit an old friend and to see you, since you never come, Françoise declared confidently.
Maximes expression changed instantly; he hadnt planned to invite his parents over.
We probably wont be home, he said, hoping to deter them.
Where are you going? Françoise asked irritably. It seems you just dont want to see us. If thats the case, say it straight.
Were heading to a birthday, Maxime improvised.
Fine, go ahead. Even if your mother and sister dont visit daily, enjoy your day, she retorted bitterly before hanging up.
Guilty toward his mother and sister, Maxime nonetheless recalled how they behaved toward Galine during past visits and stopped worrying.
He omitted telling his wife that his mother and sister wanted to come, not wanting to alarm her.
Three hours later he realized the mistake. When the doorbell rang, Galine opened it.
Seeing the mocking faces of her motherinlaw and sisterinlaw, she was taken aback; she hadnt expected them.
Remembering his mother and sister at that moment, Maxime rushed to the hallway.
Galine, are you ready? Youre not even dressed yet? he teased, pretending not to notice the unwanted guests.
Ready for what? Galine asked, confused.
For the birthday. Forgot? Maxime forced a strained smile. Oh, Mom, Aline, what brings you here?
We came, I called you, Françoise replied calmly. Perhaps you could let us in instead of keeping us on the landing?
No, we cant. Were leaving. Galine, go change, Maxime ordered, pulling her by the hand.
Galine gave her husband a questioning look; his wink told her he was simply trying to shoo the intruders away.
Where are you going? We came to visit! Aline said, arms crossed. Isnt it a bit late for a birthday?
No, we have to be there by eight, Maxime cut in. We need to leave in half an hour.
Youre going in houseclothes? Françoise mocked, eyeing his attire.
Damn, I forgot to change, Maxime blushed and sprinted to their bedroom.
Aline and Françoise exchanged skeptical glances, doubting that Maxime and Galine would truly depart. They were convinced the birthday excuse was fabricated to get rid of them.
Cant you cancel your outing for us? Françoise asked when her son returned, now dressed.
No, thats impossible, Maxime said firmly, adjusting his collar. Weve been expected for a long time, and the dinner is already paid for each guest. We must go. Come back next week, he added, knowing his mother would be offended.
Maybe we should stay here until you return? Aline suggested, sweeping the room with her eyes. Just wait, essentially.
No, why would we? Maxime refused outright. You have somewhere else to be, dont you?
Well, your place is always nicer than a grumpy old friends, Françoise chuckled. Besides, weve already been there and she wasnt thrilled to see us.
Shall I drop you at the bus station? Maxime offered, trying to get them out.
There are no buses to the city any more, and you cant drive us, Aline replied slyly.
I can book a hotel room for the night, Maxime suggested. Unfortunately, thats all I can do.
Françoise frowned, disappointed; she had hoped Maxime would let them stay.
So a hotel? Aline asked, offended. Are you scared well stay in your flat? Think well steal from you?
No, we just dont want to. What would you do alone here? Galine interjected. Wed rather have nobody in the house while were away.
Ill gladly take you to a hotel, Maxime insisted, trying to ease the tension.
No need, Françoise said, leaving the apartment.
Aline followed, venting complaints about her brother and sisterinlaw.
Seeing them depart through the window, Maxime and Galine exhaled in relief.
The fake birthday excuse was no longer needed.
Françoise and Aline hailed a taxi and returned to the city, deciding to cut off contact with their troublesome relatives.
Maxime thought of his family only when a medical appointment in town required him to find a place to eat.
Aline opened the apartment door for him. Seeing her brother, she curtly told him they were leaving and didnt want a stranger left alone at home.
Maxime bitterly realized his mother and sister were deeply hurt.
After that encounter, the bond between Maxime and his relatives withered permanently.
Where Are You Off To? We’re Here to Pay You a Visit!
