I was trying to sort out a plot of land, even though that hadnt been on the agenda at all. Again? I heard Emily say, eyes wide with surprise. We were just at my mums a few weeks ago, helping her out. I dont want any more of this Lets at least have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
Emily looked pleadingly at me, but I stood my ground. Emily, you know mums had a tough time lately. Dads gone, she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to step in.
Fine. Why is your mother turning up at our flat this time? she asked.
I told you she needs new wallpaper a soft cream colour and a few other bits of material.
Cant we order it online?
She cant order anything herself. Well all go up this weekend, take a walk, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for a fun day, Emily muttered, offended. Still, she didnt want to ruin the weekend, so she placed every item on the list, chose them herself and paid for the delivery.
All that was left for my mum was to receive the supplies there was no need for her to come to our city flat any longer. The delivery was scheduled for Friday night, so I figured thered be no hiccups.
Emilys shock was total when, on Saturday morning, my mother turned up at the door with all the purchases in tow.
You wanted me to lug all that weight. Why? James, didnt you tell her?
Mrs. Clarke, it was a surprise, I tried to explain, still in my pyjamas, standing in the hallway.
The lady sized me up with a disdainful glance, then turned to my son. Why so quiet? Got a mouthful of water? Tell your wife about our little surprise.
What surprise? Emily asked, turning to me, sensing I was keeping something back.
Im moving in with you for a few months, my mother announced, pulling off her coat with a satisfied smile.
Before Emily could fully absorb that, my mother added, And youre staying with me.
She drifted into the kitchen while Emily grasped my arm and whispered, Whats going on? What moves? We never talked about this.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to say. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont go right away, I shrugged as if nothing had happened and went to see my mother.
Emily slipped away to the bedroom, unwilling to argue openly with my mum.
Later that evening the picture cleared up. I finally managed to explain.
Emily, youve got a chance here. Think about it. Well refurbish the house the way you like it thatll look great in your portfolio, and all the clients will follow.
Well live there while we work. Mums not at an age to breathe dust, but shell need someone to keep the workers in line.
Do I have to do that? Emily asked, more bewildered than ever.
Whats the point? You need a job, and both your mum and I are looking out for you.
This is absurd moving to a village for months, away from civilisation. I dont want that! I like the flat.
Were not moving now, first of all. You ordered the wallpaper, right? Well do the refit in one room, just enough for mum to feel at home.
How will she cope with construction dust?
Well keep a window open; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Besides, we cant dictate her conditions. The flat belongs to her, the house is legally mine.
You only own it because you never claimed your inheritance!
Mind your own business. Weve agreed on everything. Im the sole heir after my mother.
So dont worry, everything will end up with us anyway.
If the flat had been in your name, mum wouldnt have kicked us out for months. Now, because of your naivety, were stuck in the village!
My mother had been listening at the door. When Emilys temper flared, the bedroom door burst open.
Youd be wiser to stay silent, my mum said, defending me. You never had any intention of taking advantage of your son.
Taking advantage? Emily echoed, startled by the phrase.
Of course I did. Without me, hed be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its only fair. Youre shortchanging your son.
You want justice, my mother said, fixing a hard stare on me. And why are you quiet? Do you agree with her?
I stayed silent, not wanting to pick a side.
I do, Emily declared, not backing down. It seems youve stripped my husband of everything. What if you get married?
Me? my mother laughed. Marry? Thats a laugh.
Emilys face brightened a bit. Well, at least you dont think Im old.
Fine, you can refurbish the house, and Ill transfer the flat to your husband. Happy now? Just make sure the house is reregistered in my name.
Emily seemed satisfied. I felt a pang of guilt for arguing with my mother, but I tried to hide it.
Everything turned out awkward in front of mum, I muttered in the car.
We knocked down a wall in one room of the flat quickly, and within a week we were packing for the village.
Shes given us all her heart, and we
And were just taking whats ours. Once the renovations done, the flat is ours. Imagine that!
Emily dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon enough her wish seemed within reach.
The village house greeted us with drab colours and a massive amount of work the scope and the cost were huge.
Nothing we cant handle. Well take a loan, and in the end well have the flat, I reasoned.
Emily agreed and rolled up her sleeves. Though the thought of living in a countryside house without modern comforts made her nervous, the prospect of a future flat kept her going.
The work went on steadily. Emily oversaw each stage, keeping a tight rein on quality. She didnt realise how much she enjoyed the process or the house itself.
A private house should have a garden, even a small plot of flowers.
Emily moved ahead with the land paperwork, something she hadnt planned at all. Every evening she bragged to me about what wed achieved.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant them herself.
Something inside her clicked, and she poured her heart into it.
James, what if we stayed here? I like it. Besides, the house is already in my name, no need to transfer anything.
Dont you want the flat?
Its cramped, stale, no space. Here theres room to breathe!
Ill talk to mum.
Emily was happy. She was now juggling the house, the garden and the plot. Life felt right, until my mother turned up again.
Good afternoon, Mrs. Clarke. Why show up without warning? I met her at the door, ready to show off the renovation, but something about my wifes husbands mother didnt sit well with her.
What am I supposed to warn about when Im coming home? Youve delayed the works, so I came to see whats happening.
Going home? Oh, James hasnt told you yet, were staying.
Where? Im home now, Im telling you you can go back to the flat, I dont like it there.
Mrs. Clarke, you misunderstand. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, no reregistration needed.
My mothers eyes narrowed.
You heartless woman, youre trying to take my home, is that it? I came to help, and youre snubbing me?
Ill stay here! James is fully on my side. Dont push it, pack your things.
Emily was taken aback. She never imagined my mother would want the house for herself. Shed always praised our city flat, marveling at how lucky we were to live in civilization while she was out in the sticks.
James and I sat in silence for an hour, each watching the other, thoughts turning over.
My firm has gone bust, I have no work now. Looks like well have to stay here, Emily, at least the garden can save us a bit.
My mother stayed quiet, and Emily felt victorious inside. She didnt need to force a choice on James; hed already made it.
There were still doubts, because James often did what his mum wanted.
Mum, Im sorry, but staying here is truly easier. Well pay off the loan and get back on our feet.
Time was short, village life was simpler, there were no pricey shops, just the essentials.
Mrs. Clarke agreed with her son, unable to argue.
She said goodbye and left. James grinned at me.
Well, does that make me a hero?
In what sense?
I know mum wanted to go back to her house, and I saw how happy you are here.
So Id guessed it, she wouldnt refuse. I didnt want a property fight.
Emily hugged me and thanked me.
