Hell be living with us
A sharp knock on the door announced someones arrival. Lucy threw off her kitchen apron, wiped her hands on a dishcloth and moved to answer. Standing on the threshold was her daughter, Emma, arminarm with a lanky young man.
Hey, Mum, Emma planted a quick kiss on Lucys cheek. This is Tom hes moving in with us.
Nice to meet you, the lad said, offering a tentative smile.
This is my mother, Aunt Lucy, Emma added.
Lucy Margaret, the aunt corrected, smoothing her hair. And whats for dinner, love?
Pea purée and sausages, Lucy replied.
I dont eat pea purée, Tom muttered, slipping off his shoes and heading toward the hallway.
Come on, Mum, Tom hates peas, Emma whined, eyes wide.
Tom flopped onto the sofa, chucking his backpack onto the floor.
This is actually my room, Lucy said, gesturing to the doorway.
Tom, follow me, Ill show you where youll be staying, Emma called, already pulling at his sleeve.
Actually, I like it here, Tom growled, pushing himself up.
Darling, think of something to feed Tom, Lucy said, shrugging.
I only have half a pack of sausages left, Lucy admitted.
Sounds fine. Add a dollop of mustard, some ketchup and a slice of bread, he replied.
Alright then, Lucy muttered, heading to the kitchen. Shed once filled the house with rescued kittens and puppies; now it was just this new guest to look after.
She ladled a heap of peas onto a plate, laid two fried sausages beside it, nudged a bowl of salad forward and sat down with gusto.
Mum, why are you eating alone? Emma asked as she entered the kitchen.
Because Ive just got home from work and Im starving, Lucy said between bites. If anyone wants food, they can serve themselves or cook it. And Ive got one question for you: why is Tom moving in?
What do you mean, why? Hes my husband.
Lucy choked on her sausage.
Your husband?
Yes, exactly. Emma, youre an adult now and you decide whether to marry or not. Im already nineteen years old.
You didnt even invite me to a wedding, Lucy snapped.
There wasnt a wedding, we just signed the papers. Since were now husband and wife, well live together, Emma said, eyeing her mothers halfeaten plate.
Congratulations then. Why no ceremony?
If youve got money for a wedding, you could hand it over to us, well find a use for it.
Got it, Lucy said, still chewing. Why us, though?
Because the flat we have is a onebedroom and were already four people in it.
So you never considered renting elsewhere?
Why would we rent when my room is free? Emma asked, surprised.
Understood.
Will you give us anything to eat?
Emma, the pot of peas is on the stove, the sausages are in the pan. If thats not enough, theres another halfpack in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Mum, youve got a new soninlaw, Emma said, emphasizing the last word.
And what? I should break out into a dance for that? Im exhausted after work, no need for any ritual. Use your own hands and feet, Lucy snapped. Thats why youre still single!
Emma glared, slammed the bedroom door and stalked off. Lucy finished her dinner, washed the dishes, cleared the table and changed into her gym clothes. She liked to keep herself free, spending a few evenings a week at the local fitness centre and swimming pool.
Just before ten, she returned home, expecting a hot cup of tea, but instead found a kitchen in chaos. The lid from the pea pot was missing, the purée had dried and cracked. An empty sausage packet lay on the counter, next to a stale loaf of bread. The pan was scorched, its nonstick coating scraped with a fork. Dirty dishes piled in the sink, and a sticky sweet puddle glistened on the floor. The air smelled of cigarettes.
Blimey, this is new. Emma never let anything like this happen, Lucy muttered, opening Emmas bedroom door. Two young people were drinking wine and smoking.
Emma, clean this mess up. Get a new pan tomorrow, Lucy said, retreating to her room without closing the door.
Emma sprang up, lunging after her. Why do we have to clean? Im a student, I dont earn, I cant afford a new pan. Do you even care about the dishes?
Remember the house rules, love: eat, then clean; mess, then clean; break, then replace. Everyone looks after their own mess. And yes, that pan cost more than a few bob and now its ruined.
You dont want us to stay here, Emma spat.
No, Lucy replied calmly. Im not looking for a fight, and Ive never had a problem with you before.
But I have a share in this, Emma protested.
No, Lucy said. The flat is mine, I bought it with my own earnings. Youre only on the lease. Dont expect me to settle any of your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules.
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 hand the flat over to us.
Ill give you a corridor in the building and a bench in the garden. You got married? No, you didnt ask me. You sleep here alone or with your husband elsewhere. He wont be living here, Lucy said sharply.
Fine, have it your way. Tom, were leaving, Emma shouted, gathering her things.
Within minutes, Tom crashed into Lucys bedroom, slurring.
Come on, Mum, calm down and everything will be alright, he slurred, swaying. Emma and I arent going anywhere tonight. Behave, and maybe well even get a bit intimate later.
What am I, your mum? Lucy snapped. Your mum and dad are still at home, so get out and dont forget to bring your new wife.
What? Tom snarled, raising his fist toward his motherinlaw.
Lucy clutched his fist with manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Let go of me, you lunatic! Tom howled.
Ma, what are you doing? Emma screamed, trying to pull her mother away.
Lucy shoved Emma aside, kicked Tom in the groin and then jabbed him in the neck with her elbow.
Ill document the assault, Tom threatened, Ill take you to court.
Ill call the police now, so theres a proper record, Lucy replied.
The young couple fled the tidy twobedroom flat.
Youre not my mother anymore, Emma shouted as she left, and youll never see my grandchildren.
Such a pity, Lucy said dryly, Ill finally have some peace.
She looked at her handssome nails were broken. Only losses from you lot, she muttered.
After they were gone, she scrubbed the kitchen, threw away the ruined peas and the busted pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, Emma returned from work, gaunt, cheeks hollow, a look of defeat in her eyes.
Mum, whats for dinner? she asked.
Dont know yet, Lucy shrugged. What do you fancy?
Chicken and rice, Emma whispered, and a bit of salad.
Then lets get the chicken, Lucy replied. Make the salad yourself.
Emma didnt ask any more. Tom never returned to their lives.
