Hey love, listen up, Ive got this story for you, but Ive tweaked it so it feels right at home in England.
Darling, Im sorry, love, for the harsh words, said the wouldbe motherinlaw in a rush, trying to smooth things over. I didnt mean it with any malice. Maybe you could pop round sometime? Vince is still on his own after you left, hasnt found his footing yet. Hes just glued to his video games
***
Blythe and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Blythe, the relationship felt serious she spent a lot of time at Victors family home, where she was greeted politely but without any real warmth. She imagined a solid future together. Victor, a bit carefree, had a certain charm and could be quite driven when he wanted to be.
Their little idyll shattered when Victor flunked a crucial English exam. It was his own fault during lockdown he got lost in endless gaming sessions and let his studies slide, landing himself on the brink of expulsion.
In the middle of that crisis Blythe snapped at Victors mum:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient bloke. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share the chores and the income!
Her words hung in the air, instantly throwing their future into doubt.
Victors mum 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 Blythe to behave the same way.
Honestly, love! She doesnt want to be a housemaid. A proper woman is first and foremost the keeper of the hearth, and a man is the head of the household! she bellowed.
Blythe kept quiet, not wanting to make the fight worse. After that she found the front door closing on her. Their communication dwindled to secret texts, rare calls, and brief meetups in neutral spots. Victor suffered from not seeing her, but instead of being honest he fell back on manipulation.
Blythe, we need to talk to my mum, Victor pleaded over the phone. You have to tell her you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Lets make peace with my parents, yeah?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. Those are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend to her? Blythe retorted.
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Blythe agreed for love she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mum.
But it didnt go as shed hoped
When she arrived, Victor let her in through the hall. At that moment his dad appeared:
Victor, whats this girl doing here? he asked sharply.
Victor froze. Blythe felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved girlfriend.
Dad, Blythe, we were Victor started, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room his mum emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Vince, whos with you?
Ignoring Blythe, the dad sneered:
The very one who taught you how to live.
It hit Blythe they hadnt invited her at all. Humiliation and anger surged, and she reacted on instinct.
Im leaving, you stay, you pathetic, useless little lad! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Victor was too stunned to even try to stop her.
Right after she stepped down the stairwell, her phone rang. Victors voice was not remorseful, just furious:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your dad just turned me into a callgirl on his level!
It doesnt matter who he put me where! You caused a scene! Now Mums furious and Dad wants me to cut off contact with you!
Then he dropped the final blow:
And guess what? I wont even be allowed to sit at the computer any more.
Blythe felt the sting turn into cold resolve.
Youre blaming me for you not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours to sort, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
It was clear he hadnt changed still an immature lad looking for someone to blame, offering no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. Its 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, Blythe had recovered and started a fresh chapter. Shed met a new guy, and after three months they were already talking wedding plans.
One afternoon she bumped into Mrs. Anderson Victors mum in a shop.
Blythe! My dear, hello! she exclaimed, rushing over.
Blythe flinched. Hello
Mrs. Anderson hugged her, then bombarded her with questions:
How long has it been since we last saw each other! How are you? Hows life? Poor thing, you and Victor split. Hes gone off the deep end with his games! He wont work, just sits at the computer. When you were together he seemed so responsible Come over sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Anderson, Im busy. Work, house Blythe tried to decline.
Mrs. Anderson glanced at the ring on Blythes finger.
And whats that? Youre married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the ceremony this summer.
The wouldbe motherinlaws smile fell away in an instant:
Oh, I see! So Victor left you, good riddance! We dont need someone like you anyway!
Blythe shrugged and walked away toward the shelves. In a way, Mrs. Anderson was right it was a relief shed walked away from Victor in time. Too bad shed spent years on someone who turned out to be such a disappointment.
