Sorry, love, for the harsh words earlier, the wouldbe motherinlaw rushes out, her tone trembling. I didnt mean them, I wasnt angry then. Maybe youll drop by sometime? Jamies still on his own after you left, still glued to his video games
Blythe and James have been together for almost two years. To Blythe, the relationship feels serious: she often visits the James family home, where she is welcomed politely, if not warmly. She believes they have a solid future. James, though a bit carefree, carries charm and a drive to achieve.
The idyll shatters when James flunks a crucial English exam. His failure stems from his negligence: during the lockdown he bingeplayed computer games, abandoning his studies, and now faces expulsion.
In the heat of the crisis, Blythe cant hold back and tells Jamess mother sharply:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share the chores and the earnings!
Her words hang in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Jamess mother takes it as a personal insult. She has spent her life caring for her husband and son, believing her role is to nurture, not to demand results. Now she expects Blythe to behave the same way.
Good heavens! She wont be a housekeeper. Every woman should first be the keeper of the home, and the man the head of the family!
Blythe stays silent, not wanting to fuel the argument. After that, the door stops being opened for her. Communication with James dwindles to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. He suffers from not seeing her, but instead of honesty he resorts to manipulation.
Blythe, we have to talk to my mum, James insists over the phone. You need to explain that you dont really 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. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
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, Blythe agrees for love she is ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But the outcome is far from what she imagined.
When Blythe arrives, James lets her into the hallway. At that moment his father appears:
James, what is this girl doing here? he snaps.
James freezes. Blythe feels the colour drain from her face; the question sounds as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Blythe, we were James begins, but his father cuts him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the lounge, the mother shouts:
Whos making that noise? Jamie, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Blythe, adds:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Blythe realizes she isnt welcome. Anger and humiliation drive her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you worthless, mamaboy! she hisses, storming out and slamming the door.
A stunned James doesnt even try to stop her.
Just as she steps into the stairwell, her phone rings. Jamess voice is not remorseful its fury.
What did you say? Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he placed me with! Youve caused a scene! Now Mum is furious and Dad wants me to never see you again!
Then he delivers the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont get to sit at my computer any longer.
Blythe feels the pain turn into cold resolve.
You blame me because you cant play your games? Your familys problems are yours to solve, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
Everything becomes clear: he hasnt changed. He remains an immature lad searching for someone to blame, never protecting her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Jamie. Were done. This is the end, Blythe declares firmly. She blocks him everywhere. The split is abrupt but necessary. His familys drama is his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Blythe has recovered from the breakup and started a new life. She meets a new boyfriend, and after three months they are heading toward marriage.
One afternoon she bumps into Margaret, the former motherinlaw, in a shop.
Blythe! Darling, hello! Margaret exclaims, rushing toward her.
Blythe flinches.
Hello
Margaret embraces her and bombards her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Poor thing, I heard you and Jamie split. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, always at the computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Come over sometime!
Sorry, Margaret, Im busy. Work, home
Margaret notices a ring on Blythes finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. The wedding will be this summer.
The fake warmth drains from Margarets face.
So thats it! I see why Jamie left you. We dont need someone like you!
Blythe shrugs and turns toward the shelves. In a way, Margaret was right: its a relief that Jamie left her. Still, its a pity she wasted time on him.
