Listen, I dont wish to quarrel with you, the motherinlaw said, narrowing her eyes. Youre the one who forces this. Live peacefully in the flat; no one here will drive you out. And stop tyrannising my son. If it comes to it, I can even separate you two. Where would you go with the child then? Lets try to get along, Emma?
***
Emma sat at her desk, eyes fixed on the screen. Suddenly a bouquet of fresh roses appeared on the tabletop. She looked up and saw James, the new clerk in their department, blushing as he offered them.
This is for you, Emma, James said, his cheeks pink.
Thank you, but it wasnt necessary, Emma replied, keeping her tone neutral.
James had lately begun to show his interest in small ways: bringing coffee, dropping a compliment. Emma brushed him off, pretending not to notice. He was not her typeshe found him rather plain.
During the lunch break a colleague, Margaret, came over.
Emma, why are you turning away James? He seems decent enough.
Margaret, hes not my sort. Hes too quiet.
Quiet, yes, but reliable. You dont see many men like that nowadays. And, by the way, he already has his own flat. Not many in his thirties can boast that.
A flat, you say? Emma mused. Housing was an important consideration; a roof over ones head and a steady income were key when thinking about a life partner.
That evening Emma stayed late to finish an important report. As she was about to leave, James approached.
Emma, may I see you to the taxi? he asked.
Thanks, James, but Ive already called one.
Just a short walk, then, he persisted.
On the way he spoke of his hobbies, his work, his plans. Unexpectedly he invited her out on a date. Emma hesitated, but finally agreed, thinking it might be a chance to scrutinise him betterespecially after Margarets remarks about his flat.
***
Their first date was at a cosy café. James turned out to be an engaging conversationalist.
Where do you live? Emma asked, careful not to reveal too much curiosity.
In my own flat, James said proudly, my parents helped me buy it when I finished university.
Lovely! Emma replied sincerely.
After a few more meetings Emma began to see qualities in James she had missed before. He was attentive, caring, dependable, a good listener, honest and respectable. Her parents and friends took a liking to him as well.
One afternoon Emma asked, James, what do you dream of?
I dream of a family and children, he answered. I want a warm, cosy home of our own.
A home sounds wonderful, Emma said, but first we need a proper flat.
We already have one, James smiled, so we can start thinking about a house.
A year later they married in a modest but heartfelt ceremony. After the wedding they moved into Jamess flat. Emma was delightedshe had married a good man and now they owned a place of their own.
Two years on, their son was born. Emma was overjoyed; James proved a devoted, loving father. Their life ran smoothly, and Emma never once regretted her choice.
One night, while putting their boy to sleep, Emma spoke of a second childshe had always wanted twins.
James, I think its time for another.
Another? James was taken aback. Why, the boy is still small.
Id like a daughter, Emma confessed. We have the money, the flat why not sell this flat, buy a bigger place, and welcome another?
Money, yes, James agreed, but the flat
What about the flat? Emma asked.
The flat isnt exactly mine, James said quietly. Its still in my fathers name.
Your fathers? Emma repeated.
Yes, he whispered, bowing his head. They arranged it that way so I wouldnt lose it if we ever split.
Emma felt her legs go weak. She sat on the bed, trying to digest the revelation.
Youve been lying to me all this time? Why? she asked, tears fighting to stay hidden.
I didnt lie, Emma. I just omitted the fact. My parents asked me not to tell youthey feared youd marry me for the flat. I now know you love me for who I am.
What now? Emma asked, her eyes wet. What are we to do?
We love each other, we have a son. My parents wont take the flat away. Well continue as we are.
And if they decide they need it? Or give it to your sister? Emma pressed. How can you be so calm?
What are you talking about? James snapped. Theyll never do that.
From where do you know?
Emma, please calm down, James tried to embrace her. Everything will be fine.
No, James, nothing will be fine. You kept this from me. You lied!
The evening ended in a bitter argument. Emma barred James from the bedroom; he slept on the sofa.
***
For three days the couple spoke not a word. James went to work as usual; Emma prepared meals and ironed his shirts, all in silence. James tried repeatedly to draw Emma into conversation, but she stubbornly ignored him, even keeping away from their son. Whenever James approached the boy, Emma would snatch the child and retreat to another room. She still hoped James would bring news that his father had finally transferred the flat into his name. Then she could sell the twobedroom flat, buy a threebedroom house, or perhaps a cottage on the outskirts of town.
But James returned with no such news. Emma would not confront her motherinlaw directly about the property, yet Mrs. Thompson, Jamess mother, eventually paid a visit, choosing a time when James was not home.
Whats happening here? Mrs. Thompson asked. Your son seems troubled, somethings weighing on him. Tell me, Emma, whats the matter?
Nothing, Mrs. Thompson, Emma replied coolly. Everythings fine. I dont know why James looks so down.
Youre lying, Mrs. Thompson said. Tell me, dear, why are you eyeing someone elses flat? You already live here peacefully; we have no intention of evicting you, James, or our grandchild. Whats wrong? Why are you pestering my son about this?
Emma clenched her fists, striving to stay calm.
No one is trying to take your flat, Mrs. Thompson. James and I simply have a misunderstanding. He keeps telling me the flat is his, yet in truth it belongs to you, his father. I worry about my future. If anything were to happen, we could do nothing with that flat. I want a second child; a twobedroom flat is cramped for two kids. A threebedroom would be perfect. We have some savings, but not enough for a larger home. If we sold the flat, we could afford one. I dont wish to grovel before you for permission to sell. We are a family with a child, and I believe we have the right to decide where we live.
Thats why I kept my son close, Mrs. Thompson sneered. Do you think Im as naïve as James? I see right through you, darling. You think youve caught the eye of my modest programmer? Dont tell me you married James out of great love. Ill never believe it. The flat will never be sold, no matter what. The property will remain my husbands. What are you hoping for? To sell it, buy something bigger, then divorce and split the assets? That wont happen. Save your money, buy what you like, and perhaps start contributing to the family budget, so youll have a say in how its spent. Youve come ready to take rights that arent yours! Emma, I dont want to fight with you. Live peacefully; I swear no one will kick you out. If you cause trouble, Ill force my son to divorce you. Believe me, I have leverage.
Mrs. Thompson left. Emma sighed heavily and went on preparing dinner. She resigned herself to the situation. Her husband earned a decent wage, and the flat, though unsellable, would remain theirs for now. She told herself they would save for a bigger place in time, and perhaps that thought would spur James onward.
