Emily Clarke is now dealing with a plot of land, even though that never featured in her plans at first.
Again? she asks, eyes wide at her husband. We just helped your mother a few weeks ago. I dont want any more of this Lets just have a quiet weekend, the two of us.
Emily looks at James with a pleading expression, but he remains unmoved.
Emily, you know my mothers been struggling lately. Fathers gone, and she cant manage everything on her own. Im an only son, so I have to look after her.
Fine. Why is your mother coming to us this time?
Ive already told you she needs wallpaper in a creamy shade and a few other small supplies.
Cant she order them herself?
She doesnt know how. Well all go over the weekend, take a walk, get some fresh air.
Strolling through a DIY megastore for fun, Emily mutters, offended, but she doesnt want to ruin the weekend. She orders everything on the list, picks the items herself and pays for them. All thats left for Margaret Clarke, Jamess mother, is to receive the materials. Theres no need for her to come to their city flat.
The delivery is due Friday night, so Emily assumes there will be no hiccups. Her surprise spikes when Margaret shows up on Saturday morning, lugging all the purchases herself.
You wanted me to bear this burden. Why? she asks James.
Mrs. Clarke, its a surprise, Emily, still in her pajamas, explains from the hallway.
The mother sizes up her daughterinlaw with a dismissive glance, then turns to her son. Whats the silence for? Got a mouthful of water? Tell your wife about our surprise.
What surprise? Emily asks James, sensing something is being hidden.
Im moving in with you for a few months, Margaret declares, shedding her coat.
Emily barely registers the shock before another twist lands.
And youre coming to me.
Margaret heads to the kitchen as Emily grabs Jamess hand and whispers, Whats going on? Why these moves? We never talked about this.
Sorry, I didnt get a chance to say it. Mum suggested it. Dont worry, we wont go right away, James shrugs, as if nothing happened, and walks back to his mother.
Emily retreats to the bedroom, reluctant to confront Margaret outright.
Later that evening the situation clarifies. James finally explains:
Emily, you have an opportunity here. Think about it. Well do a renovation in the house, exactly how you want. Itll look great on your portfolio, and all your future clients will see it.
Well live there while we work. Mum isnt old enough to breathe construction dust, but well need to keep an eye on the workers.
Do I have to do that? Emily asks, more bewildered.
Youll need a job, and were looking after you, both me and Mum, he replies.
This is absurdpacking me off to a village for months. I love our flat.
Were not moving now, first things first. You just ordered the creamy wallpaper. Well renovate one room, so Mum feels comfortable.
How will she avoid the dust?
Well open a window; she wont even notice. Shell just supervise.
Were not in a position to dictate her terms. The flat belongs to her, the house is legally mine.
Thats only because you never claimed your inheritance!
Why are you meddling in our family business? Weve already agreed. Im the sole heir after Mum.
Dont worry, everything will end up with us eventually.
If the flat were in your name, Mum wouldnt have evicted us for months. Now, because of your naivety, we have to live in the village!
Margaret listens at the door. As Emilys irritation flares, the bedroom door snaps open.
Youd better keep quiet, Margaret says, defending James. You never had a word for him when you picked him up.
Picked him up? Emily repeats, startled.
Of course. Without him Id be lost! And now youre eyeing the inheritance?
I think its only fair. Youve shortchanged our son.
You want justice, Margaret eyes James sharply. And why are you silent? Do you agree with her?
James stays mute, not wanting to side with either.
I do, Emily answers firmly. It seems youve taken everything from our son. What if you get married?
Me? Margaret laughs. Married?
Emily smiles, relieved that Margaret doesnt see herself as old. Alright, you renovate the house and Ill transfer the flat to James. Satisfied? Then Ill have the house reregistered in my name.
Emily feels content. James is a bit upset about arguing with his mother but hides it.
This is still awkward in front of Mum, he says later in the car.
They finish a quick renovation of a single room, and a week later move to the village.
Shes with us wholeheartedly, and we
just taking whats ours. Once the renovations done, the flat is ours! Imagine it.
Emily dreams of owning a threebedroom flat, and soon that dream seems within reach.
The village house greets them with dull colours and a massive workload, the cost looming huge.
Nothing, well get a loan, James muses. In the end well have a flat.
Emily agrees and throws herself into the work. Though nervous about living in a house without city comforts, the vision keeps her going.
The work proceeds slowly but solidly. Emily monitors every stage, surprised at how much she enjoys the process and the house itself.
Every private house needs a garden, even a small plot with flowers, she notes.
She now handles the plot registration too, something not in her original plan. Every evening she proudly tells James about the progress.
Well plant roses; Ive already ordered them.
Emily, thats beyond our budget. We cant afford it. Mum will move in and plant herself.
Something inside Emily snaps; she pours her heart out.
James, what if we stay here? I like it. The house is already in your name, no paperwork needed.
Dont you want the flat?
Too cramped, no space. Here its open!
Ill talk to Mum.
Emily feels happy, juggling house, garden and plot. The new life suits heruntil the motherinlaw arrives.
Good morning, Margaret Clarke. Why show up unannounced? Emily greets, ready to show the renovation, but something about Jamess mother displeases her.
How am I supposed to give notice when Im coming home? Youve delayed the work, so Im here to see how things stand.
Coming home? Oh, James hasnt told me yet; were staying.
Where? Im home, Im speaking. If you dont like it, you can go back to the flat.
Margaret, youve misunderstood. Were staying in the house. It belongs to James, no reregistration needed.
Margaret snaps, You selfish thing, taking my home! I came to help and you push me aside?
Ill stay here! James is fully on my side. Dont bring this to a fight, pack your things.
Emily is taken aback. She never imagined Margaret would like the house. She always praised the city flat, boasting how lucky they were to live in civilisation, far from the countryside.
James and Emily sit in silence for an hour, each lost in thought, both hoping James will support her, since the house is his.
James arrives in a sour mood, seeing his mother and wife, and sighs heavily.
Whats happened? both ask, adding to his discomfort.
Our company went bust. Ive lost my job. Well probably have to stay here, Emily, and make do with the garden to save money.
Mum looks at her son, silent. Inside, Emily feels triumphant. James doesnt need to choose; he already decides.
Emily still has doubts, as James often follows his mothers wishes.
Mum, sorry, but itll be easier for us here. Well pay off the loans and get back on our feet.
Time is short, and the village is simplerno expensive shops, just the essentials.
Margaret agrees with her son, unable to refuse.
Mum says goodbye and leaves. James flashes a wide grin at Emily.
So, are we actors now?
In what sense?
I know Mum wanted to return home and I saw you enjoy this place.
He had guessed she wouldnt refuse. He didnt want to argue over property.
Emily hugs James and thanks him.
