Sorry, love, for snapping at you earlier, said my wouldbe motherinlaw in a rush, trying to smooth things over. I didnt mean it harshly. Maybe youll pop round sometime? Victors still on his own after you left, stuck in his gaming world
***
Daisy and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Daisy, it felt like a serious thing: she spent a lot of time at Victors family home, where they were always polite but never warm. She thought they had a solid future. Victor, while a bit carefree, was charming and could be pretty focused when he wanted to be.
Their idyll shattered when Victor flunked his crucial English exam. The failure was his own fault during the lockdown he buried himself in video games and let his studies slide, and now he faced being expelled.
In the heat of the crisis Daisy lost her temper and blurted at Victors mum:
I cant be with a man who doesnt pull his weight. I need someone who can stand on his own. Im not going to be a housewife; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Her words hung in the air, instantly throwing their future into doubt.
Victors mother took it as a personal affront. Shed spent her whole life looking after her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Daisy to behave the same way.
Well, isnt that something! She doesnt want to be a maid. A proper lady should keep the home tidy, and the man is the head of the family! she fumed.
Daisy stayed quiet, not wanting to stir things up further. After that, the front door seemed to close on her. Their communication shrank to secret texts, occasional calls, and brief meetups in neutral spots. Victor missed seeing her, but instead of opening up he turned to manipulation.
Daisy, we need to talk to my mum, he pressed over the phone. Youve got to tell her you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Make peace with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend over backwards?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Daisy agreed for love she was ready to take the humiliating step of trying to explain herself to a strangers mum.
But it didnt go as she imagined.
When Daisy arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his dad appeared:
Victor, whats this girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Victor stammered. Daisy felt her face go cold. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his girlfriend.
Dad, Daisy, we, Victor started, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, Victors mum called out:
Whos making a racket? Victor, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Daisy, tossed out:
The very one who taught you how to live, thats who.
Daisy realised she wasnt welcome. Humiliation and anger kicked in, and she acted on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, useless little lad! she snapped, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Victor didnt even try to stop her.
Right after she stepped into the stairwell, her phone buzzed. Victors voice was not apologetic it was furious.
What did you say? You ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your dad just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Now Mums livid, and Dad says I must never see you again!
He then dropped the final blow:
And you know what the worst part is? I wont be allowed to sit at my computer any more.
Daisy felt the sting of his words turn into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not dragged me into it.
Everything clicked he hadnt changed. He was still that immature bloke looking for someone to blame, never stepping up to protect her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. This is over, she said firmly, blocking him everywhere. The breakup was sharp but necessary. His familys drama was his cross to bear, not hers.
***
A year later Daisy had pulled herself together, started a fresh chapter, and met someone new. Theyd been dating for three months, and things were already heading toward an engagement.
One afternoon she ran into Mrs. Irving Victors mum at a shop.
Daisy! My dear, hello! she shouted, rushing over.
Daisy flinched. Hello?
Mrs. Irving enveloped her in a hug, showering her with questions.
How long has it been? How are you? Its such a shame you and Victor broke up. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, always glued to his PC. When you two were together, he was so much more responsible Come over for tea sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Irving, Im busy. Work, home Daisy tried to brush her off.
Mrs. Irving noticed a ring on Daisys finger.
And this? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The smile that had just lit her face faded instantly.
So thats why! Good thing Victor dumped you! We dont need someone like you! she snapped.
Daisy shrugged and turned back to the shelves. In a way, the mother was right it was probably best shed walked away from Victor. It was just a shame shed wasted time on him.
