Id been sorting out the plot for a new piece of land, something that hadnt been on my agenda at all. Again? Emily stared at me, her eyes wide with disbelief. We just helped your mum the other day. I dont want any more of this Lets have a quiet weekend, just the two of us.
She pleaded with a hopeful look, but I was unmoved. Emily, you know my mothers been struggling lately. Dads gone, she cant manage everything on her own. Im the only son, so I have to step in.
Fine. Why is your mum coming over this time?
I told you she needs new wallpaper, something milky, plus a few other bits of material.
Cant she order it herself?
She cant. Well all go out together at the weekend, have a walk, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore as a fun outing, Emily snapped, though she didnt want to ruin the weekend. She placed the order herself, chose everything, paid for it. All that was left for my mother was to receive the supplies no need to come up to our flat in Manchester any more.
The delivery was due Friday night, so I figured thered be no issues. Thats what Emily thought, at least. Her surprise was total when my mother turned up on Saturday morning, lugging the whole lot.
You wanted me to haul all this weight. Why? she asked, looking at me. George, didnt you tell her?
It was a surprise, Eleanor, Emily said in her nightgown, trying to defend herself in the hallway.
I see, my mother replied, measuring Emily with a disdainful glance before fixing her gaze on me. Why so quiet? Did you swallow your tongue? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? Emily turned to me, realizing something was being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, my mother announced, slipping off her coat.
Emily didnt have time to process that when I added, And youre coming too.
My mother drifted into the kitchen, while Emily, taking my hand, whispered in irritation, Whats this about? What moves? We never discussed it.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to say. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, well go later, I shrugged, as if nothing had changed, and walked over to my mother.
Emily retreated to the bedroom, avoiding an outright clash with my mum. As evening fell, the picture cleared a bit for her. I managed to explain.
Emily, you have the chance to think this over. Well do a refurbishment in the house, whatever you want. Itll look good on your portfolio, all your clients will love it.
Well live there while were at it. Mums not at an age to inhale construction dust, but shell need supervision.
Do I have to do that? Emily asked, more baffled than ever.
Yes, you need work, and your mother and I are looking out for you.
This is absurd moving me to the countryside for months. I like the flat.
We arent moving right now, first of all. You just ordered the wallpaper. Well renovate one room so Mum likes the place.
How will she breathe through the dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just keep an eye on things.
Besides, we cant dictate her terms. The flat belongs to her, the house is legally mine.
Only because you didnt inherit it! she snapped.
Why are you meddling in our family affairs? Weve settled everything. Im the sole heir after my mother.
Dont worry, well eventually get everything we need.
If the flat were in your name, your mum wouldnt have sent us away for months. Now, because of your naïveté, were stuck in the village!
Eleanor, listening at the door, let the tension rise. When Emilys anger boiled over, the bedroom door swung open.
Youd be better off staying quiet, my mother interjected, defending me. You never had a heart when your son chose you.
Chosen? Emily frowned at the phrase.
Of course, chosen. Without him Id be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think itd be fair. Youre shortchanging our son.
Seeking justice, my mother said, fixing her stare on me. Why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
I kept my mouth shut, not wanting to pick a side.
I do, Emily said firmly. It seems youve stripped our son of everything. What if you get married?
Me? my mother laughed. Marry? Thats a laugh.
Emily brightened instantly, pleased that I didnt see her as old. All right, youll refurbish the house and Ill transfer the flat to our son. Satisfied? Ill just have the house retitled to my name.
Emily was pleased. I felt a pang of guilt for arguing with my mum, but I tried to hide it. Its still awkward in front of mum, I muttered, already in the car.
We completed the oneroom renovation swiftly, and a week later we were packing for the village.
Shes coming with all her heart, and we
were just taking whats ours. Quick fix, and the flats ours! Just picture it
Emily dreamed of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon enough, that dream seemed within reach. The village house wasnt welcoming. Dull colours, a massive amount of work, and a price tag that made my head spin.
Nothing, I thought, well take out a loan, and eventually well have our flat.
Emily agreed and threw herself into the work. Though she fretted about living in a plain house without amenities, the vision of a better future kept her going. The job went on long but was done properly. She oversaw every stage, and before long she found herself enjoying the whole process and the house itself.
A proper garden is a must for any private home, she declared. Or at least a small patch of flowers.
Thus she moved onto the land paperwork, something that hadnt been part of the plan at first. Every night she proudly recounted the days progress to me.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move and plant them herself.
Something stirred inside Emily, and she poured her whole heart into it.
George, what if we stayed here? I love it. The house is already yours, no need to retitle anything.
Dont you want the flat?
Whats the point? Its cramped, stifling. Here we have space!
Ill talk to my mum.
Emily was happy. She now tended both home and garden, and the new life suited her fineuntil my mother arrived.
Good morning, Eleanor, Emily greeted her, ready to show the refurbishment, though my mother seemed displeased.
What am I supposed to announce when Im heading home? Youve delayed the works, so Ive come to see whats happening.
Heading home? Oh, George hasnt told you yet, were staying.
Where? Im home now, Im speaking. You can go back to the flat; I dont like it there.
Eleanor, youve misunderstood. Were staying in the house. It belongs to George, no retitling needed.
My mother sat down the moment she heard that.
You ungrateful wretch, taking my house away! I came to meet you, and you cheat me?
No, Ill stay here! Besides, George is fully on my side. Dont turn this into a quarrel, pack your things.
Emily was taken aback. She never imagined my mother would enjoy the house. She always boasted about how lucky we were to live in civilisation, far from the countryside.
George and I sat in silence for an hour and a half, each lost in thought. Both of us realized the house was really Georges.
He returned home in a sour mood, seeing his mother and wife, and grew sullen.
Whats happened? we both asked, adding to his discomfort.
My company went bust, Ive lost my job. Looks like well have to stay here, Emily, and make do with the garden to save money.
My mother stared at her son, silent. Inside, Emily felt a quiet triumph. The choice didnt need to be forced on George; he made it himself.
Emily still had doubts, as George often did whatever his mother wanted.
Mum, sorry, but itll be easier for us here. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Time wasnt on our side, but life in the village was simplerno pricey shops, just the essentials.
Eleanor agreed with her son, unable not to support him, especially in his low spirits.
Her mother said goodbye and left. George grinned at Emily.
So, whats next for us?
In what sense?
I know Mum wanted to return home, and I saw youre happy here.
Id thought it all through, knowing she wouldnt refuse. I didnt want a fight over property.
Emily wrapped her arms around me and thanked me.
