Where are you headed?We came to see you!
I cant stand your sister! Galine winced, spitting the words. 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 have seen the smug look she gives when she manages to make a fool of me, Galine muttered through clenched teeth. One minute my upbringing is faulty, the next my makeup is outdated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 from your family, Galine sighed, looking skyward.
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 Maximes mother, they inevitably dropped by Alines place as well.
Maximes sister could not tolerate her sisterinlaw, making clashes between them inevitable.
During the early visits Galine clenched her teeth in silence, then chose to answer Aline, noticing that Françoise, feeling weak, was also beginning to criticize her daughterinlaw.
Every trip to the mother turned into a scandal, leading the couple to stop visiting Maximes family altogether.
Françoise soon caught on and began calling her son, demanding an explanation.
Why havent you been coming? Its been two weeks since I saw you. Dont you think Mom and your sister are getting bored? she scolded.
Were swamped, no time, Maxime answered curtly, avoiding details.
What are you doing then, something interesting? Françoise asked suspiciously. Your wife forbids you? The last time she left, she looked like shed swallowed a sack of lemons.
I told you, we have business to settle, Maxime snapped, ending the call.
An hour later Françoise called back, announcing that she and Aline would stop by the village.
Why? Maxime asked, puzzled.
Just to see an old friendand to see you since you never come, Françoise replied confidently.
Maximes expression changed instantly. He hadnt intended to invite his parents over, but now they were about to appear.
We probably wont be home, he said, hoping to deter his mother and sister.
Where are you going? Françoise asked irritably. I guess you just dont want to see us. If thats the case, just say so.
Were heading to a birthday, Maxime improvised quickly.
Fine, go ahead. Its not like your mother and sister visit every day, she retorted bitterly before hanging up.
Guilt washed over Maxime for his mother and sister, but recalling how they behaved toward Galine during past visits, he stopped worrying.
He chose not to tell his wife that his mother and sister wanted to come, sparing her unnecessary worry.
Three hours later he realized his mistake. When the doorbell rang, Galine went to answer.
Seeing the smug faces of her motherinlaw and sisterinlaw, she was taken aback; she hadnt expected them.
Remembering his mother and sister at that moment, Maxime hurried to the hallway.
Galine, are you ready? Youre not dressed yet? he teased, pretending not to notice the unwanted guests.
What am I ready for? Galine asked, confused.
For the birthday. Forgot? Maxime forced a tense smile. Oh, Mom, Aline, what are you doing here?
We came because I called you, Françoise said calmly. Maybe you could let us in instead of keeping us on the landing?
No, we cant. Were leaving. Galine, go change, Maxime ordered, grabbing his wifes hand.
Galine shot him a questioning look; his wink signaled that he was simply trying to get rid of the uninvited visitors.
Where are you going? We came to see you! 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 be there in half an hour.
Youre going in house clothes? Françoise mocked, noting his attire.
Damn, I forgot to change, Maxime blushed and sprinted to the bedroom.
Aline and Françoise exchanged skeptical glances, doubting that Maxime and Galine would truly leave. They were convinced the couple had fabricated the birthday excuse to push them out.
Cant you cancel your outing for us? Françoise asked when her son returned, now dressed.
No, thats impossible, Maxime replied firmly, adjusting his shirt collar. Weve been expected for a while, and the dinner is paid for each guest. We have to go. Come back next week, he suggested, knowing his mother would be offended and refuse.
Maybe we should stay here until you return? Aline proposed, sweeping the room with her gaze. Just wait, essentially.
No, why would we? Maxime refused categorically. You have somewhere else to go, right?
Well, your place is always better than a old friends, Françoise chuckled. Besides, weve already been there and they werent 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 retorted slyly.
I could book you a hotel room for the night, Maxime suggested as a solution. Unfortunately, I cant do more than that.
Françoise frowned, disappointed with her sons answer; she had hoped hed let them stay.
So a hotel then? Aline answered, offended. Are you scared to leave us in your flat? Think well steal from you?
No, its just that we dont want to, Galine intervened. What would you do here alone?
Id gladly take you to a hotel, Maxime insisted, trying to smooth the tension.
No need, Françoise said, leaving the apartment.
Aline followed, hurling complaints at her brother and sisterinlaw.
Seeing through the window that they had left, Maxime and Galine exhaled in relief.
The fake birthday pretext was no longer needed.
Françoise and Aline ordered a taxi and returned to the city, deciding never to contact their meddlesome relatives again.
Maxime thought of his family only when a medical appointment in town forced him to look for a place to eat.
Aline opened the apartment door for him. Seeing her brother, she told him bluntly that they were leaving and didnt want a stranger alone in their home.
Maxime bitterly realized how deeply offended his mother and sister were.
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!
