The doorbell rang with a sharp knock, announcing a visitor. Lucy slipped off her apron, wiped her hands and went to answer. On the doorstep stood her daughter Emma, arminarm with a young man. Lucy let them in.
Hi, Mum, Emma planted a kiss on Lucys cheek. This is David hell be moving in with us.
Nice to meet you, the lad said, offering a quick nod.
This is my Aunt Lucy, Emma added, but Lucy corrected her, Im Lucy Bennett, Emmas mum.
Lucy, whats for dinner? David asked.
Pea purée and sausages, Lucy replied.
I dont eat pea purée, David said, slipping his shoes off and heading toward the hallway.
Are you serious, Mum? David hates peas, Emma exclaimed, eyes wide.
David dropped his backpack on the sofa and plonked himself down.
Actually, this is my room, Lucy said.
David, Ill show you where well be staying, Emma called.
Fine, I like it here, he muttered as he rose.
Lucy, think of something to feed David, Emma urged.
Weve only got half a pack of sausages left, Lucy shrugged.
Thatll do a little mustard, ketchup, and some bread, he added.
Alright then, Lucy muttered, heading to the kitchen. Shed spent the past years bringing home stray kittens and puppies, and now she was dealing with a new adult tenant.
She ladled the pea purée into a bowl, added two fried sausages, pushed a plate of salad over, and sat down to eat.
Mom, why are you eating alone? Emma asked as she entered the kitchen.
Ive just got home from work and Im hungry, Lucy replied between bites. If anyone wants a portion, they can serve themselves or cook it themselves. Oh, and one more thing why is David moving in?
How come? Emma pressed. Hes my husband.
Lucys fork clattered as she nearly choked on the sausage.
My husband? she repeated, stunned.
Exactly. Emma, youre an adult now; you decide whether to marry or not. Im already nineteen, David said.
You didnt even invite us to a wedding, Lucy snapped.
There was no wedding. We just signed the papers and thats it. Since were now husband and wife, well live together, Emma said, glancing at her mother chewing.
Congratulations then. Why no ceremony?
If you have money for a wedding, you could give it to us and well find a use for it, David replied.
Got it, Lucy said, still chewing. Why here?
Our flat has one bedroom, and were four people living in it.
So you didnt consider renting somewhere else?
Why would we rent when we have a spare room? Emma asked.
Right, Lucy said.
Will you give us anything to eat?
Emma, theres a pot of mash on the stove and sausages in the pan. If that isnt enough, theres another halfpack in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Mom, youve got a new soninlaw now, Emma pointed out.
And what? Im supposed to break into a jig for that? Im exhausted after work, lets skip the ceremony dance. Use your own hands and feet, Lucy retorted. Thats why youre still single!
Emma glared and slammed her bedroom door. Lucy finished her dinner, washed the dishes, wiped the table and retired to her own room. She changed into workout clothes, grabbed her gym bag and headed to the local fitness centre. She was a freespirited woman who spent a few evenings each week in the gym and the pool.
Around ten oclock she returned home, expecting a steaming mug of tea. Instead she found the kitchen in disarray, as if someone had tried to cook and given up. The pot lid was missing, the mash had dried and cracked, a packet of sausages lay open on the countertop, and a stale loaf of bread sat without its wrapper. The pan was scorched, its nonstick coating scraped with a fork. Dirty dishes piled in the sink, a sticky sweet puddle stained the floor, and the air smelled faintly of tobacco.
Blimey, thats new. Emma never let anything like this happen, Lucy muttered, opening the bedroom door. Two young people were inside, drinking wine and smoking.
Emma, clean up the kitchen. Buy a new pan tomorrow, Lucy said, retreating to her room without closing the door.
Emma sprang up, grabbed her bag and lunged toward Lucy.
Why do we have to clean? Im a student, I dont earn money for a pan, she protested. You think the dishes are precious?
Emma, you know the house rules: eat, then tidy; make a mess, then tidy; break something, then replace it. Everyone looks after their own mess. And yes, Im sorry about the pan it wasnt cheap, but now its ruined, Lucy explained calmly.
You dont want us to stay here, Emma snapped.
No, Lucy replied evenly. Id rather not argue with you. Its never been a problem before.
But I have my share, Emma insisted.
No, the flat is mine. I bought it, I paid for it. Youre only on the tenancy register. Dont expect me to solve your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules, Lucy said, her voice steady.
Ive lived my whole life by your rules. Im married now, so you cant tell me what to do, Emma shrieked. Youre old, you should give us the flat.
Ill give you a corridor in the building and a bench outside. You got married? No one asked me. Youll sleep here alone or with your husband elsewhere. He wont be living here, Lucy replied firmly.
Fine, you can keep your flat. David, were leaving, Emma shouted, gathering her things.
A few minutes later David staggered into the living room, clearly tipsy.
Alright, mum, dont panic and everything will be fine, he slurred. Emma and I arent going anywhere tonight. If you behave, we might even be affectionate later.
What do you call me, mother? Lucy snapped. Your mum and dad are still here, so mind your manners and dont forget to bring your new wife along.
He raised his fist and shoved it toward Lucys nose.
Lucy clutched his wrist with manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Let go of me, you lunatic! David growled.
Mom, what are you doing? Emma screamed, trying to pull her mother away.
Lucy shoved Emma aside, kicked David in the groin and elbowed him in the neck.
Im going to record this assault, he shouted, Ill sue you.
Ill call the police now, so they have a proper record, Lucy replied.
The pair fled the tidy twobedroom flat.
Youre not my mother any more, Emma shouted as she left, and youll never see my grandchildren.
What a pity, Lucy said dryly, Ill live my life as I please.
She looked at her hands a couple of nails were broken.
Just the losses you cause, Lucy muttered.
After they went, Lucy cleaned the kitchen, threw away the ruined mash and the cursed pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, Emma appeared at her mothers workplace, gaunt and hollowcheeked.
Mum, whats for dinner? she asked.
Im not sure yet, Lucy shrugged. What do you want?
Chicken and rice, Emma whispered, and a bit of salad.
Then lets get the chicken. Youll have to make the salad yourself, Lucy said.
Emma asked nothing else, and David never turned up again.
The whole ordeal taught Lucy that a home runs smoothly only when everyone respects the rules and takes responsibility for their own actions. Respect and responsibility are the foundations of any household.
