Id set a condition, and Emma was staring at the spilled flour on the floor, trying not to let tears fall. In the dim glow of the kitchen lamp the white streaks on the linoleum looked like curious snowflakes, but there was no time for poetryguests would be here in an hour and the cake wasnt even started.
Making a mess again? my voice rang out as I stepped into the kitchen. Mums coming over and youre as usual.
Emma pursed her lips.
It wasnt on purpose, Mark. The bag ripped, she said.
Everything in our house keeps breaking, falling, spilling, I snapped, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of sparkling water. Thirtyfive years old and still as clumsy as a child.
She began scooping the flour back into a bin, swallowing her resentment. Ten years of this had taught her to swallow her tears in silence.
Im off to meet Mum, I glanced at my watch. Set the table by seven and try not to embarrass yourself tonight, alright? Its her anniversary after all.
When the front door slammed shut behind me, Emma slumped onto a stool and breathed deeply. She remembered the day we met at the public library where she worked. Id seemed so attentiveshowing up every day, borrowing the books she recommended, lingering late. Then Id invited her to the theatre. Shed felt like a heroine from a romance novel: a woman with a child from a previous marriage, loved by a handsome, independent man. Who could have guessed the fairytale would end so abruptly?
Our son Jack slipped into the kitchen like a silent ghost.
Again with the snacks? he asked, nodding toward the front door.
Enough, Emma snapped. Youre talking about your stepdad.
The one who treats you like a servant.
Emma had no rebuttal. At sixteen, Jack saw everything too clearly.
You should be doing your homework, not eavesdropping on adult talks, she muttered, returning to the cleaning.
Jack snorted but didnt argue. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and started helping his mother.
Mom, we need to talk, he said seriously. I want to go to London after school to study programming.
London? Emma froze, clutching the cloth. But wed agreed on the local college, the dorms, the whole package
And Mark, wholl keep nagging you whenever he can, Jack interrupted. I cant watch that any longer, Mum.
Jack, thats adult life. Families have their quirks, Emma replied.
Thats not a family, Mum. Its he stopped, waved his hand, and left the kitchen.
By the time the guests arrived, Emma had managed to tidy up, set the table, and even bake an apple tarther pride and joy. Helen Whitaker, my mother, a tall woman in an elegant dress, inspected the spread with a critical eye but said nothing. That in itself felt like a small victory.
Please, sit down, Mrs. Whitaker, Emma buzzed. Andrew and Laura will be here any minute.
Helen eased herself into a chair, smoothing her silvergray bangs.
Wheres your boy? she asked, as if referring to a pet.
Hes in his room; Ill fetch him, Emma replied.
Studying, is he? Whats the point of that? Hell end up like his father, hands in the dirt, Helen snorted.
Emma stayed silent. Helen always dismissed my first marriage with contempt, even though shed never met my exhusband. Insulting a dead man felt downright improper, but Emma dared not contradict her motherinlaw.
The doorbell rang, sparing us from further awkwardness. Laura and her husband Davidmy sister and her successful businessman husbandarrived, and Davids presence always made me more irritable.
Happy birthday, Mum! Laura threw her arms around Helen. You look stunning! Hardly anyone would guess youre sixty!
Helen beamed. Laura always knew the right thing to say.
Emma, David kissed my hand, you look wonderful. New haircut?
Thank you, Im glad you noticed, Emma replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice, catching my displeased glance.
I began pouring the champagne, deliberately ignoring Jack, who stood off to the side.
To the birthday girl! I declared. To the best mum in the world!
And to Grandma! Laura added. By the way Mum, we have a surprise for you.
What kind of surprise? Helen asked, wary.
Were expecting a baby! Laura announced proudly.
Helen threw her hands up and burst into tears of joy. David smiled broadly. I forced a tight grin.
Congratulations, Emma whispered. Thats wonderful news.
And why arent you having one yourself? Helen blurted, turning to me. Youre nearly forty, yet no children of your ownjust a stepchild.
Silence fell. Emmas face flushed.
Mum, we talked about this, I muttered through clenched teeth.
What did we talk about? That your wifes building a career? Theres no career in a library, tell me that! All my granddaughters friends are nannies, and Im left admiring your Jack. And it would be nice if he were a polite lad
Mrs. Whitaker! Emma finally snapped. Jack is right here.
And Im not lying? Helen turned to her grandson. Always in your corner, never pulling your weight. Off to London, eh? What nonsense?
Emma stared at Jack, stunned. How had she learned of his plans?
Ill earn it myself, Jack said calmly. Ive already found a remote gig designing websites.
What websites? I interjected. You should be studying properly, not fiddling around.
Its not fiddling, its my future profession, Jack replied firmly. The pays decent.
Who gave you permission? I raised my voice. You live under my roof, you follow my rules!
Your roof, your rules Jack muttered. Except Im not your son, am I? So I dont have to obey.
I turned beet red.
Exactly! Not my son! Youll never be one!
Mark! Emma shouted, desperate. Stop this right now!
What did I say? I shrugged. I was being honest! Ten years Ive fed and clothed him, and all I get is a thankyouless stare while he sits in his room staring at a computer. And now hes planning to head to London behind my back!
Behind my back? Jack smirked. I couldnt care less about your opinion. Youre nothing to me.
Jack! Emmas voice trembled as she looked from son to husband. Mark, please, not today. Helens birthday.
No way, nows the perfect time! I persisted. Ive tolerated your mischief for ten years, and now Im supposed to fund his London studies?
Helen nodded approvingly, Laura and David stared at their plates, and Jack stood pale but composed.
Ill earn it myself, he repeated. I dont need anything from you.
Really? I sneered. What about a roof over your head? Food? Clothes? All thats mine! If you want to live like that, you wont be going to London. Study here under my watch. Thats my condition.
Something inside Emma snapped. Ten years of tolerating snipes, dismissals, neglectjust for stability, for a roof, for Jack. Now I was laying down conditions for my own son.
Maybe its enough, she said quietly. Its Helens birthday, and weve turned this into a scene.
Its your son who caused the scene, I retorted. As always, its his fault. And you always cover for him! Ungrateful brat and a henlike mother. Is that how youll keep living off me?
Emma rose slowly from the table. The room fell into a heavy hush.
Ive spent thirtyfive years in the library, she said, her voice steady. Two degrees. I never asked you to support my sonwe managed before you.
Youre serious? I mocked. Did I miss that?
Because I chose not to see it, she replied. You wanted a docile housekeeper, not a wife. I became that, but enough.
What does that mean? I asked, frowning.
It means, she turned to Jack, that he and I are leaving.
A grave silence settled over the room.
Youre out of your mind? I finally sobered. Where are you going?
For starters, to my sisters place, Emma answered calmly. Then well find a flat. Ill get a better jobmaybe even in London.
Jack looked at his mother with awe. Hed never seen her like this before.
Dont be ridiculous, I laughed nervously. Youll starve without me. How much do you earn at the library? Pennies! What flat will you rent?
Thats no longer my problem, Emma cut in. By the way, Im not just a librarian; Im the head of the department, and my salary is quite respectable. You never bothered to ask.
Tell that to the lady, I shouted at David. Apparently we have a careerwoman living with us!
My mother has heard enough, David intervened. Enough already. Its her birthday, not a circus.
What are you doing, David? I snapped. This is family business!
This isnt a family, David shook his head. The way you treat your wife and stepson there are no words.
Dont, Vlad, Laura tried to intervene, but it was too late.
Enough, Laura, David said firmly. Ive watched this nightmare for ten years. Its over. Mark, youve become a tyrant, and if Emmas leaving, thats the best thing she can do.
Helen gasped in outrage. How dare you! My son does everything for them, and they
Mum, Laura softened, Davids right. Look at whats happening. Its awful.
Without waiting for more arguments, Emma slipped out of the room, Jack following. In the bedroom she quickly grabbed a suitcase and began packing the essentials.
Youre serious? Jack asked, eyes wide.
More than you think, Emma replied. Pack your things. Were leaving.
What about? he faltered. We cant just walk out. We need money, a roof
I have savings, Emma said, pulling a small tin from the wardrobesomething I never knew existed. Not much, but enough to get us started. I also have a sister whos been begging me to move in with her for ages, and I have youmy smart, talented son who wants to be a programmer. Well manage.
There was a knock at the door. Laura stood in the doorway.
Youre really leaving? she asked quietly.
Yes, Emma said firmly. Weve had enough.
Laura hesitated, then pulled a wallet from her bag and handed Emma an envelope.
Take this. Its from David and me. We wanted to help but were afraid youd find out.
Laura, I cant
You can, she cut in. Youve endured my brothers tirades for ten years, and my mothers meddling. Accept this. Its not charity; its restitution for the hurt we caused.
Emma paused, then took the envelope.
Thank you, she whispered. And Im sorry for spoiling the celebration.
What celebration? Laura waved a hand. Maybe now Mark will finally think about his behaviour. Though I doubt it.
When Emma and Jack emerged from the hallway, the tension was palpable. I sat fuming, Helen pressed her lips together, and David watched with a faint grin.
Were leaving, Emma said simply. Thanks for everything, Mark. And sorry if Ive caused any trouble.
You you I sprang up, words choking.
No drama, David interjected. Weve had enough. Emma, need a ride?
No, thank you, she shook her head. Well take a taxi.
The door closed behind us, and I felt a strange lightness, as if a heavy backpack Id carried for a decade had finally been dropped. Jack took my hand, just as he used to when I was a child.
Youre amazing, Mum, he said quietly. Im proud of you.
Thank you, love, I smiled. You know, maybe London isnt such a bad ideanew city, new life.
We went down the stairs and out into the courtyard. It was early May, and the blackthorn trees gave off a heady scent in the twilight.
My phone rang. The screen showed my name.
Dont answer, Jack warned.
But I shook my head and picked up.
Yes, Mark?
Come back immediately! my voice roared through the line. I wont let you walk away! Take the boy or stay here yourself. Thats my condition!
I laughed, a sound that felt like the first genuine laugh in years.
You no longer have the right to set conditions for me, Mark, I told her. No more conditions. Never again.
I hung up. A taxi pulled up, and we slipped inside, the car humming toward a fresh start.
Back in the flat on the fourth floor, I, still furious, hurled the phone at the wall and turned to Helen, hoping for support. She stared at me with a strange look, as if seeing me for the first time.
Well, you really are unbearable, Mark, she finally said. How did I miss that?
She began to weep, not from spite but from a sudden, unfamiliar sorrow. For the first time in years she mourned her own mistakesthe ones that had turned her son into a selfish man who couldnt love. Whether it was too late to make amends, she could not say.
