Where are you going? We came to see you!
I cant stand your sister, Galine snarled. She drives me crazy!
Youre not the only one, Maxime replied, defending his wife.
She meddles in everything and thinks shes smarter than everyone. You should’ve seen the smug look on her face when she managed to humiliate me, Galine muttered through clenched teeth. One moment my upbringing is terrible, the next my makeup looks outdated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 groaned, rolling her eyes.
Françoise, the motherinlaw, and Aline, the sisterinlaw, lived in the city, while Maxime and Galine resided in a small village not far away.
Both women were widows sharing an apartment, so whenever Maxime and Galine visited his mother, they also ended up at Alines place.
Maximes sister could not tolerate her sisterinlaw, making clashes between them inevitable.
During the early visits Galine clenched her teeth in silence, then decided to answer Aline, noticing that, with her frailty, Françoise was also beginning to criticize her daughterinlaw.
Each trip to the mothers house turned into a scandal, and the couple resolved to stop seeing Maximes relatives.
Françoise soon noticed the silence and started calling her son for explanations.
Why havent you come by? Its been two weeks already. Dont you think Mom and your sister are getting bored? she scolded.
Were swamped, no time, Maxime snapped, unwilling to elaborate.
What are you up to, anyway? Françoise pressed. Your wife forbid you? The last time she left looking like shed swallowed a sack of lemons.
I told you, we have things to sort out, Maxime replied, cutting the conversation short.
An hour later Françoise called back, saying she and Aline would swing by the village.
Why? Maxime asked, puzzled.
To visit an old friend and see you, since you never show up, Françoise replied confidently.
Maximes expression changed instantly. He hadnt planned to avoid his parents just to keep them out of his home.
We probably wont be home, he said, hoping to dissuade his mother and sister.
Where are you going? Françoise asked irritably. It seems you simply dont want to see us. If thats the case, just say so.
Were heading to a birthday party, Maxime improvised.
Fine, go ahead. Its not like your mother and sister visit every day, she replied bitterly before hanging up.
Guilt tugged at Maxime for his mother and sister, but recalling how they behaved toward Galine during past visits, he stopped worrying. He omitted telling his wife that his mother and sister wanted to come, to spare her unnecessary stress.
Three hours later he realized his mistake. When the doorbell rang, Galine went to answer.
Seeing the mocking faces of her motherinlaw and sisterinlaw, she was taken aback; she hadnt expected that visit.
Remembering his mother and sister, Maxime rushed to the hallway.
Galine, are you ready? Still not dressed? Maxime teased, pretending not to notice the unwanted guests.
Ready for what? Galine asked, confused.
For the birthday. Forgot? Maxime said with a strained smile. Oh, Mom, Aline, what are you doing here?
We came because I called you, Françoise replied calmly. Maybe you could let us in instead of keeping us on the landing?
No, we cant. Were leaving. Galine, change your clothes, Maxime ordered, pulling his wife by the hand.
Galine gave her husband a questioning look; when he winked, she understood he was trying to shoo the uninvited guests 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. Well be there in half an hour.
Going in your house clothes? Françoise mocked, noticing his attire.
Damn, I forgot to change, Maxime blushed and bolted to the bedroom.
Aline and Françoise exchanged skeptical glances, doubting that Maxime and Galine would really leave. They were convinced the birthday excuse was just a ploy to get rid of them.
Cant you cancel your outing for us? Françoise asked when her son returned dressed.
No, thats impossible, Maxime replied firmly, adjusting his shirt collar. Weve been expected for a while, and the dinners already paid for each guest. We have to go. Come back next week, he added, knowing his mother would be offended and refuse.
Maybe we should stay until you return? Aline suggested, scanning the room. Wait, essentially.
No, why would we? Maxime refused outright. You have somewhere else to be, dont you?
Well, your place is always better than a cranky old friends, Françoise chuckled. Besides, we already visited her and she wasnt thrilled to see us.
Shall I drop you off at the bus station? Maxime offered, trying to get his mother and sister to leave.
There are no more buses to town, and you cant drive us there, Aline retorted slyly.
I can book a hotel room for you tonight, Maxime suggested as an alternative. Unfortunately, I cant do more.
Françoise frowned, disappointed; she had hoped Maxime would let them stay.
So, a hotel? Aline asked, offended. Are you scared well stay in your apartment? Think well steal from you?
No, its just that we dont want you here, Galine intervened. What would you do alone?
Ill gladly take you to the hotel, Maxime insisted, trying to smooth things over.
No need, Françoise replied, leaving the apartment. Aline followed, venting complaints toward her brother and sisterinlaw.
Seeing them exit through the window, Maxime and Galine breathed a sigh of relief. The fabricated birthday excuse was no longer necessary.
Françoise and Aline hailed a taxi and returned to the city, deciding to cut off contact with their troublesome relatives.
Maxime only thought of his family when he had a medical appointment in town and needed 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 alone in their home.
Maxime bitterly realized his mother and sister were deeply offended. After that encounter, the ties between Maxime and his relatives withered permanently.
Where Are You Off To? We’ve Come to Pay You a Visit!
