Where are you headed? she asked. Weve come to see you!
I cant stand your sister! Galine snapped, grimacing. She drives me mad!
Youre not the only one, Maxime replied, defending his wife.
She meddles in everything and thinks shes smarter than everyone. You should see the smug look she gets when she manages to make a fool of me, Galine muttered through clenched teeth. One minute my upbringing is terrible, the next my makeup is out of date
Shes always been like that, Maxime shrugged. Its all my mothers fault; she spoiled her and let her get away with everything.
Good thing we live a hundred kilometres away from your family, Galine sighed, looking up at the heavens.
Françoise, the motherinlaw, and Aline, the sisterinlaw, lived in the city, while Maxime and Galine resided in a small village not far away.
Both women were widows sharing an apartment, so whenever Maxime and Galine visited Maximes mother, they also ended up at Alines place.
Maximes sister could not tolerate her sisterinlaw, making clashes between them inevitable.
During the early visits Galine clenched her teeth in silence, then chose to answer Aline, noticing that the frail Françoise was also beginning to criticize her daughterinlaw.
Each trip to the mothers house turned into a scandal, and the couple decided to stop seeing Maximes relatives altogether.
Françoise soon noticed the change and started calling her son for explanations.
Why havent you been coming? Its already two weeks since I saw you. Dont you think your mother and sister are getting bored? she scolded.
Were busy, no time, Maxime answered curtly, refusing to elaborate.
What are you up to, then? Françoise asked suspiciously. Your wife forbids you? The last time she left, she looked like shed swallowed a ton of lemons.
I told you, we have matters to settle, Maxime replied, ending the call quickly.
An hour later Françoise called back, saying she and Aline would swing by the village.
Why? Maxime asked, puzzled.
Just to visit an old friend and see you, since you never show up, Françoise replied confidently.
Maximes expression changed instantly. He hadnt planned to invite his parents over.
We probably wont be home, he said, hoping to discourage his mother and sister.
Where are you going? Françoise asked irritably. I assume you just dont want to see us. If thats the case, just say so.
Were heading to a birthday party, Maxime blurted out.
Fine, go ahead. Even if your mother and sister dont visit every day, she said bitterly before hanging up.
He felt guilty toward his mother and sister, but remembering how they had treated Galine during past visits, he stopped worrying.
He left out the fact that his mother and sister wanted to come, to spare his wife unnecessary worry.
Three hours later he realized his mistake. When the doorbell rang, Galine opened it.
Seeing the mocking faces of her motherinlaw and sisterinlaw, she was taken aback; she hadnt expected them.
Remembering his mother and sister, Maxime rushed to the hallway.
Galine, are you ready? Youre not even dressed yet? Maxime teased, pretending not to notice the unwanted guests.
Ready for what? Galine asked, confused.
For the birthday. Did you forget? Maxime said with a strained smile. Oh, Mom, Aline, what are you doing here?
Were here, I called you, Françoise said calmly. Maybe you could let us in instead of keeping us on the landing?
No, we cant. Were leaving. Galine, go change, Maxime ordered, grabbing his wifes hand.
Galine shot a questioning glance at him, and when he winked, she understood he was trying to get rid of the unwelcome visitors.
Where are you going? We came to see you! Aline said, arms crossed. Isnt it a bit late for a birthday?
No, we have to be there by eight, Maxime cut in. Well be there in half an hour.
Youre going in houseclothes? Françoise mocked, noting his attire.
Good grief, I forgot to change, Maxime blushed and bolted to the bedroom.
Aline and Françoise exchanged skeptical looks, doubting that the couple would truly leave. They were convinced Maxime had fabricated the birthday excuse to evict them.
Cant you cancel your outing for us? Françoise asked when her son returned dressed.
No, its impossible, Maxime replied firmly, adjusting his shirt collar. Weve been expected for ages, and the dinner is already paid for each guest. We have to go. Come back next week, he suggested, knowing his mother would be offended.
Maybe we should stay here until you return? Aline offered, scanning the room. Just wait, essentially.
No, why would we? Maxime refused. You have somewhere else to be, right?
Well, your place is always better than a cranky old friends, Françoise retorted with a small laugh. We already went there and she wasnt thrilled to see us.
Do you want me to drop you at the bus station? Maxime proposed, trying to get them to leave.
There are no buses to the city anymore, and you cant drive us, Aline replied mischievously.
I could book you a hotel room for the night, Maxime offered. Unfortunately, I cant do more.
Françoise frowned, disappointed. She had hoped Maxime would let them stay.
So, a hotel? Aline snapped. Are you afraid well stay in your flat? Think well steal from you?
No, its just that we dont want you here. What would you do alone? Galine intervened. Wed rather have no one in the house while were away.
Ill take you to the hotel, Maxime insisted, trying to smooth things over.
No need! Françoise said, leaving the apartment.
Aline followed, hurling complaints at her brother and sisterinlaw.
Seeing them disappear out the window, Maxime and Galine breathed a sigh of relief.
The birthday pretense was no longer needed.
Françoise and Aline called a taxi and returned to the city, deciding never to contact their meddlesome relatives again.
Maxime thought of his family only when he had a medical appointment in town and needed a place to eat.
Aline opened the apartment door for him. Seeing her brother, she told him bluntly they were leaving and didnt want a stranger alone in their home.
Maxime realized, with bitterness, how deeply his mother and sister were hurt.
After that encounter, the ties between Maxime and his relatives withered for good.
Where Are You Off To? We’re Here to Pay You a Visit!
